Mexican Rock from Mexico to Bakersfield - By N.L. Belardes
Mexican Rock. What is it? Where is it in Bakersfield? Are there homegrown Mexican rock bands? Are there more than just Mento Buru and mariachis singing ska-rumptious-dilious tunes, electrified, congafied, and singing while we eat our albondigas meatballs? Or are there other hard rocking bands hidden in Bakersfield’s part-Latino heart, that heart that still runs with the waters of El Rio Bravo in a turbulent hydraulic water storm we now call the Kern River?
I had been asked for some time now to attend one of the El Tremendo Huarachon Latin music nights going on in the Bakersfield underworld of Mexican Rock. Sal, manager of LIKHY2 (pronounced Leek-hee-those) had been sending me emails over the past few months detailing the history of his Mexican Rock underground band that really is part of a Bakersfield Indie movement; only this one is mostly Spanish and part English in its lyrics.
When I ran into Sal and LIKHY2 band members, Rafa, Chuy, Damas and Jorge at the unplugged Fish Fry when Mento Buru and Karmahitlist played, he slipped me a CD of nine solid tunes that hit a range of styles: punk, ska, metal; all with a Latino blend of stylings that made me want to dance my socks off right there at my computer. Oh goodness, how could I handle a live show?
That night at Fishlips, Sal said, “You have to come out to the last Tremendo Huarachon. You will hear some great music.” Of course he went dancing after that, tearing it up while Matt Munoz led his boys into a ska-ready big sock frenzy. The house lights were dark. Sal’s dancing shoes were on, and, oh I am getting away from myself…
Saturday night I went to Chencho’s Bar and Grill. This little bar is attached to the historic Dome, that old Strongbow Stadium where fisticuffs still fly in its hidden blood-stained rink. Ok, maybe there’s no blood on the rink. But it sounded good as I hear that people still pound faces there on a regular basis. Old Chencho, he sat outside on his concrete patio and quietly observed the Latino crowd meandering in through the gate. He’s got some grey locks and once talked with me about the Lords of Bakersfield and some research he once did…
Inside Chencho’s there is a little bar selling beers and tacos and really, OK, I hate to say it, but there were some nasty sodas, the worst I ever tasted. I know, it's pitiful of me to even bring it up... Blogger Matildakay who was in the house said, “They just need to learn how to properly hook up the CO2.” Ok, the bad soda is forgiven. It’s just a learning curve, so somebody please help them. There were no margarita’s either, but so what? Everyone was happy. And those problems are easily fixed. Though the crowd was overheated from the sweltering summer temperatures, there was still a hint of anticipation in the air for all of the night’s bands. Six Gun Samurai was up first. It was their first gig, so I made sure to take some photos to capture their historic experience…
Six Gun Samurai is a Mexican Rock Screamo band that leans toward a nice pop sound that’s mild on the screaming and heavy on the pop. The band members seemed a little nervous, but for a first gig, it was a great show…
KD from Threttsound was in the house mixing all the music. He bought me one of those rip-roaring sodas, but I still drank it. His business is thriving and he's looking to make more. So get in touch with him...
This Plastic Smile from Riverside, California was also in the same musical category, but with a bit harder of a Screamo sound. I loved hearing lyrics in Spanish and appreciated when lead singer, Alan, spoke to us in both Spanish and English. And that’s because my Spanish is really crummy.
Check out the three hip ghosts dancing like madmen
These guys had stage lights glaring on them and it had to have been nearly 105 degrees with this tremendous huarachon dancing heat wave striking Bakersfield. But they got through their set, sold some merchandise, gave me a CD though I wish we had sat and talked... You see, I plan on using a song from This Plastic Smile in an upcoming Mexican Rock podcast…probably “Solo Memorias” since I dig that one the most…
Tijuana rock punk band, Delux was next on stage. I had met Max Uballez, representative of their American distributor co-op out in the parking lot as well as Mo and Leo from Delux. I kept hearing, “They sound like a Mexican Green Day…” What? A Mexican version of Green Day, perhaps even of rural rock punksters, The Filthies of Bakersfield? It couldn’t be! But they did…
When Delux finally hit the stage I was in for a punk pop treat as they indeed had that same flavorful high-energy rock punk sound that the young folks love these days with Green Day winning a Grammy and all. Only this was with Spanish lyrics sung to music with a Mexican-American border flavor that had the Chencho’s crowd going ballistic… The boys from Delux had some serious punk energy, with Mo jumping on the old bouncy wrestling rink like he was going to stage dive a sweaty mess into the crowd. Guitarist/singer, Leo was right there with him, touting a wireless set-up with his guitar, which he spun around him like he was flipping an ice dancer around his waist. Let me tell you their music is every bit as good live as their CD.
Forget that I don’t understand half the lyrics. I get the feeling of their music, and that’s what's important… But let me tell you, the night was hot as they belted out their set. Mo, who is easily over six-feet tall even complained a little. “I’m tired!” But not too tired after the set as Leo and their drummer took some pics with the ladies hanging out at the back of the bar. Snap-snap went the cameras as the ladies were as hot for the boys of Delux as I was for their music.
I met with Delux for a little while outside on the patio. Mo and Leo are from Tijuana and talking to them reminded me of a work where a novelist talks about Palestijuas, an oppressed Mexican landscape hidden beneath the glittering shadows of American Capitalism in waterless San Diego. But these musicians put off an aire of success. They dressed and looked like hip Californians. Mo even had a California accent. I asked him where his accent came from…
He looked at me, still sweating from a raucous set of powerpop punk, “I grew up in Tijuana until after high school. So did Leo. But I got a basketball scholarship to San Diego. So I spent a lot of time in the states.”
We spoke a bit about their upcoming tour to the East coast, about distributor deals, and Delux’s ability to sell 9000-10000 CDs in Mexico. That wouldn’t surprise me. The kids at Chencho’s flocked to purchase merchandise. We then talked about an International podcast and all agreed that it was something in all our futures… Of course that would have to go better than this awesome rock bands sense of direction in a band van as they at first headed on the I-15 toward the Mojave Desert. Hey Delux, we’re a hot town… but not that hot. I look forward to meeting these Mexican punk rocksters again.
A should add their CD is most excellent with the beginning of their song, “Desafortunado” sounding reminiscent of the Filthies “Embalm you”, only with a rad Latino flair that was amazing…
Speaking of local legends and I don’t mean the Lords of Bakersfield fiction book I’ve written. I’m talking about a local underground Mexican rock band that’s been around Bakersfield for some time. LIKHY2 was the headliner band and a well-deserved group of musicians. These guys have some strong musicianship, some long hair, some killer guitar riffs, and Rafa on the drums reminds me of that singer for Los Lobos, turned percussion.
Earlier today I received this note from Chris of RidiKule who said I just had to check these guys out:
Hey, NL have you heard of or had the chance to see a band called " LIKHY2" It's pronounced " Leeky Dose" They are a spanish rock band that has a sound of a punk/ rock / alt. I checked them out one night over at The Dome, just to see what they sounded like, because they wanted to play a show at Vinny's. My intention was to go and see a few songs and leave, on to other shows. To be honest I was not really looking forward to it, due to the fact of being let down in the past. Have you ever had someone tell you about a band "You just had to see"?, and then get let down. I showed up just before they were to start playing, and I noticed that there was a pretty decent crowd, not unlike our own " Punk rock" shows. There were kids there dressed up and ready to mosh, mohawks, spikes and all. There were quite a few people there. The band started and immediately got my attention. I could not understand what it was that they were singing about, because it was all in spanish, but they had a killer stage show and were all quite good musicians. They have a percussionist who plays both acoustic and electric guitar also. I could not leave until they were done with there set, and I got to meet the guys afterward. They were all very personable, and just loved to play music. If you get the chance to check them out I would suggest doing so. You may not be able to understand them unless you can speak spanish, but sometimes you can't even understand what english bands are singing about either. The music is good and upbeat and that's what really matters. Thanks, Chris
LIKHY2 has a difficult name to pronounce for the gringos, and some complex songs, and I think their look is a little mixed compared to their style. After listening to their CD I was expecting more punk-looking ska-boys, but these muchachos were some cool-looking long-haired Mexican hipsters; and so was the crowd. In fact there was one young Latina dressed in black that had the coolest black-and-white patterns going on. She took a picture with me and I was flattered.
Along with Rafa on drums is Jorge on percussion really tearing it up in this four-piece Mexican rock band who sings their own original tunes as if they were classics all along. I didn’t know why it took me so long to see this band other than I was waiting for the perfect opportunity to truly experience their music. All I can say about LIKHY2 is they have many styles incorporated into a fluid sense of musicianship where artists blend into a unique Latino style. It’s powerful and would work well to crossover and play with any band in Bakersfield, not just the big Mexican Rock fests…
LIKHY2 self-titled 9-song CD is a really awe-inspiring slice of Mexican Rock that I highly recommend you track down. These guys are a hidden gem in Bakersfield music and are even looking to be more progressive as I just got a note from Sal about them looking to expand their sound…
Ke ondas Nick? Komo estas Karnal?
This is Sal from LIKHY2...I am trying to set up an account for LIKHY2 at MySpace but, I am having some technical complications...If there's any way you can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it...I know you're a busy man and I don't want to take much of your time....chingon!
P.S. Thanks again for supporting the show at The Dome this past Friday.
P.S.S. We are curently holding auditions for a Lead Singer for LIKHY2, I was wondering if it's possible to post an advertisment on your Blog...Here's the Info:
LIKHY2 is currently holding auditions for Lead Singer... If you have the right "look", the "moves", and the "voice"....you may be added on to Bakersfield's premier Spanish Rock Band "LIKHY2"......
Our current singer "Chuy" will be jumping on lead guitar and support back-up vocals...LIKHY2 is looking to experiment with new ideas to create a more eccentirc show!!!!
Must be over 21, able to sing in Spanish and English....
Interested prospects should call "Sal" at (661) 496-5252
email: splascencia@runner.csub.edu
web page: www.likhy2.com
Enough said. Mexican Rock in Bakersfield is definitely alive and well. Look forward to a podcast featuring music from these bands and Nunez on the Buck City Podcast…
I had been asked for some time now to attend one of the El Tremendo Huarachon Latin music nights going on in the Bakersfield underworld of Mexican Rock. Sal, manager of LIKHY2 (pronounced Leek-hee-those) had been sending me emails over the past few months detailing the history of his Mexican Rock underground band that really is part of a Bakersfield Indie movement; only this one is mostly Spanish and part English in its lyrics.
When I ran into Sal and LIKHY2 band members, Rafa, Chuy, Damas and Jorge at the unplugged Fish Fry when Mento Buru and Karmahitlist played, he slipped me a CD of nine solid tunes that hit a range of styles: punk, ska, metal; all with a Latino blend of stylings that made me want to dance my socks off right there at my computer. Oh goodness, how could I handle a live show?
That night at Fishlips, Sal said, “You have to come out to the last Tremendo Huarachon. You will hear some great music.” Of course he went dancing after that, tearing it up while Matt Munoz led his boys into a ska-ready big sock frenzy. The house lights were dark. Sal’s dancing shoes were on, and, oh I am getting away from myself…
Saturday night I went to Chencho’s Bar and Grill. This little bar is attached to the historic Dome, that old Strongbow Stadium where fisticuffs still fly in its hidden blood-stained rink. Ok, maybe there’s no blood on the rink. But it sounded good as I hear that people still pound faces there on a regular basis. Old Chencho, he sat outside on his concrete patio and quietly observed the Latino crowd meandering in through the gate. He’s got some grey locks and once talked with me about the Lords of Bakersfield and some research he once did…
Inside Chencho’s there is a little bar selling beers and tacos and really, OK, I hate to say it, but there were some nasty sodas, the worst I ever tasted. I know, it's pitiful of me to even bring it up... Blogger Matildakay who was in the house said, “They just need to learn how to properly hook up the CO2.” Ok, the bad soda is forgiven. It’s just a learning curve, so somebody please help them. There were no margarita’s either, but so what? Everyone was happy. And those problems are easily fixed. Though the crowd was overheated from the sweltering summer temperatures, there was still a hint of anticipation in the air for all of the night’s bands. Six Gun Samurai was up first. It was their first gig, so I made sure to take some photos to capture their historic experience…
Six Gun Samurai is a Mexican Rock Screamo band that leans toward a nice pop sound that’s mild on the screaming and heavy on the pop. The band members seemed a little nervous, but for a first gig, it was a great show…
KD from Threttsound was in the house mixing all the music. He bought me one of those rip-roaring sodas, but I still drank it. His business is thriving and he's looking to make more. So get in touch with him...
This Plastic Smile from Riverside, California was also in the same musical category, but with a bit harder of a Screamo sound. I loved hearing lyrics in Spanish and appreciated when lead singer, Alan, spoke to us in both Spanish and English. And that’s because my Spanish is really crummy.
Check out the three hip ghosts dancing like madmen
These guys had stage lights glaring on them and it had to have been nearly 105 degrees with this tremendous huarachon dancing heat wave striking Bakersfield. But they got through their set, sold some merchandise, gave me a CD though I wish we had sat and talked... You see, I plan on using a song from This Plastic Smile in an upcoming Mexican Rock podcast…probably “Solo Memorias” since I dig that one the most…
Tijuana rock punk band, Delux was next on stage. I had met Max Uballez, representative of their American distributor co-op out in the parking lot as well as Mo and Leo from Delux. I kept hearing, “They sound like a Mexican Green Day…” What? A Mexican version of Green Day, perhaps even of rural rock punksters, The Filthies of Bakersfield? It couldn’t be! But they did…
When Delux finally hit the stage I was in for a punk pop treat as they indeed had that same flavorful high-energy rock punk sound that the young folks love these days with Green Day winning a Grammy and all. Only this was with Spanish lyrics sung to music with a Mexican-American border flavor that had the Chencho’s crowd going ballistic… The boys from Delux had some serious punk energy, with Mo jumping on the old bouncy wrestling rink like he was going to stage dive a sweaty mess into the crowd. Guitarist/singer, Leo was right there with him, touting a wireless set-up with his guitar, which he spun around him like he was flipping an ice dancer around his waist. Let me tell you their music is every bit as good live as their CD.
Forget that I don’t understand half the lyrics. I get the feeling of their music, and that’s what's important… But let me tell you, the night was hot as they belted out their set. Mo, who is easily over six-feet tall even complained a little. “I’m tired!” But not too tired after the set as Leo and their drummer took some pics with the ladies hanging out at the back of the bar. Snap-snap went the cameras as the ladies were as hot for the boys of Delux as I was for their music.
I met with Delux for a little while outside on the patio. Mo and Leo are from Tijuana and talking to them reminded me of a work where a novelist talks about Palestijuas, an oppressed Mexican landscape hidden beneath the glittering shadows of American Capitalism in waterless San Diego. But these musicians put off an aire of success. They dressed and looked like hip Californians. Mo even had a California accent. I asked him where his accent came from…
He looked at me, still sweating from a raucous set of powerpop punk, “I grew up in Tijuana until after high school. So did Leo. But I got a basketball scholarship to San Diego. So I spent a lot of time in the states.”
We spoke a bit about their upcoming tour to the East coast, about distributor deals, and Delux’s ability to sell 9000-10000 CDs in Mexico. That wouldn’t surprise me. The kids at Chencho’s flocked to purchase merchandise. We then talked about an International podcast and all agreed that it was something in all our futures… Of course that would have to go better than this awesome rock bands sense of direction in a band van as they at first headed on the I-15 toward the Mojave Desert. Hey Delux, we’re a hot town… but not that hot. I look forward to meeting these Mexican punk rocksters again.
A should add their CD is most excellent with the beginning of their song, “Desafortunado” sounding reminiscent of the Filthies “Embalm you”, only with a rad Latino flair that was amazing…
Speaking of local legends and I don’t mean the Lords of Bakersfield fiction book I’ve written. I’m talking about a local underground Mexican rock band that’s been around Bakersfield for some time. LIKHY2 was the headliner band and a well-deserved group of musicians. These guys have some strong musicianship, some long hair, some killer guitar riffs, and Rafa on the drums reminds me of that singer for Los Lobos, turned percussion.
Earlier today I received this note from Chris of RidiKule who said I just had to check these guys out:
Hey, NL have you heard of or had the chance to see a band called " LIKHY2" It's pronounced " Leeky Dose" They are a spanish rock band that has a sound of a punk/ rock / alt. I checked them out one night over at The Dome, just to see what they sounded like, because they wanted to play a show at Vinny's. My intention was to go and see a few songs and leave, on to other shows. To be honest I was not really looking forward to it, due to the fact of being let down in the past. Have you ever had someone tell you about a band "You just had to see"?, and then get let down. I showed up just before they were to start playing, and I noticed that there was a pretty decent crowd, not unlike our own " Punk rock" shows. There were kids there dressed up and ready to mosh, mohawks, spikes and all. There were quite a few people there. The band started and immediately got my attention. I could not understand what it was that they were singing about, because it was all in spanish, but they had a killer stage show and were all quite good musicians. They have a percussionist who plays both acoustic and electric guitar also. I could not leave until they were done with there set, and I got to meet the guys afterward. They were all very personable, and just loved to play music. If you get the chance to check them out I would suggest doing so. You may not be able to understand them unless you can speak spanish, but sometimes you can't even understand what english bands are singing about either. The music is good and upbeat and that's what really matters. Thanks, Chris
LIKHY2 has a difficult name to pronounce for the gringos, and some complex songs, and I think their look is a little mixed compared to their style. After listening to their CD I was expecting more punk-looking ska-boys, but these muchachos were some cool-looking long-haired Mexican hipsters; and so was the crowd. In fact there was one young Latina dressed in black that had the coolest black-and-white patterns going on. She took a picture with me and I was flattered.
Along with Rafa on drums is Jorge on percussion really tearing it up in this four-piece Mexican rock band who sings their own original tunes as if they were classics all along. I didn’t know why it took me so long to see this band other than I was waiting for the perfect opportunity to truly experience their music. All I can say about LIKHY2 is they have many styles incorporated into a fluid sense of musicianship where artists blend into a unique Latino style. It’s powerful and would work well to crossover and play with any band in Bakersfield, not just the big Mexican Rock fests…
LIKHY2 self-titled 9-song CD is a really awe-inspiring slice of Mexican Rock that I highly recommend you track down. These guys are a hidden gem in Bakersfield music and are even looking to be more progressive as I just got a note from Sal about them looking to expand their sound…
Ke ondas Nick? Komo estas Karnal?
This is Sal from LIKHY2...I am trying to set up an account for LIKHY2 at MySpace but, I am having some technical complications...If there's any way you can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it...I know you're a busy man and I don't want to take much of your time....chingon!
P.S. Thanks again for supporting the show at The Dome this past Friday.
P.S.S. We are curently holding auditions for a Lead Singer for LIKHY2, I was wondering if it's possible to post an advertisment on your Blog...Here's the Info:
LIKHY2 is currently holding auditions for Lead Singer... If you have the right "look", the "moves", and the "voice"....you may be added on to Bakersfield's premier Spanish Rock Band "LIKHY2"......
Our current singer "Chuy" will be jumping on lead guitar and support back-up vocals...LIKHY2 is looking to experiment with new ideas to create a more eccentirc show!!!!
Must be over 21, able to sing in Spanish and English....
Interested prospects should call "Sal" at (661) 496-5252
email: splascencia@runner.csub.edu
web page: www.likhy2.com
Enough said. Mexican Rock in Bakersfield is definitely alive and well. Look forward to a podcast featuring music from these bands and Nunez on the Buck City Podcast…
This entry was posted by N.L. Belardes, on
Tuesday, July 19, 2005.
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