On September 17, 2016, Rock Sin Fronteras AKA DJ HandsomeDevil curated a night full of Rock en Español at Los Globos nightclub. The night not only had local Rock en Español bands like headliner Pastilla and Vim Furor, but it ranged from Mexico to Guatemala with fan favorite Radio Viejo.
DJ HandsomeDevil has been part of the LA Rock en Español underground scene since the early 90s. Beginning as a fan, going to shows all over LA to see bands like Caifanes, Morrissey, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Heroes Del Silencio, Tijuana No, Juana La Loca; and now as a DJ playing those bands and promoting his own shows via Rock Sin Fronteras. DJ HandsomeDevil is sharing his love for 80s and 90s new wave hits with the best Rock en Español has to offer all over California, bringing the music and the bands on tour. Between bands, a good mix of such songs was heard, keeping the night alive and going.
Bipolarte, a local act by the way of Guadalajara, Mexico, opened the night. Bipolarte's show is something to be experienced, the presentation, which included a lot of pop culture references, was as much of the show as its music, granted, his act may not be for everybody but you be the judge! Personally, I enjoy live music with a full band, rocking throughout. In this case only get one person at the forefront, but Bipolarte more than makes up for the lack of bandmates as his show engages the audience and has a performance art side to it as well. I enjoyed his set and was pleasantly surprised with his performance. You can see the whole set below:
Next up was Elektric Lucie from Mexicali, Mexico, whose 90s alternative sound wouldn't be out of place at your local college radio station, and their bilingual repertoire can help for that much desired crossover to the dark side. Their exploration of bilingual songs goes all the way to having their single "muerdeme" released in both English and Spanish, letting the audience make the language choice. I liked their set and they won me over with the aforementioned 90s sound, to me the 90s was the best era for music but that's just me. Below is their full set, enjoy:
Alma De Jade is one of the local L.A. bands that played the night, their sound also within the alternative side of rock en español, with a dash of psychedelic and urban influences. The trio played a diverse set, showcasing their musical dexterity and prowess. Their opening ritual and following rocking song were an indication that their songs weren't in that boring same song sounding style trend alternative bands nowadays seem to fall under. As long as your sound keeps me interested, I will listen. Check them out:
Vim Furor is a duo of bilingual hard metal alternative psychedelic rock, and they really rocked the night for just being two men onstage. I always give the bands extra props when they have a heavy, rocking sound and it's three members or less, you see metal bands where they have 3 guitars and a bass to get that sound, but when you can handle with less, my hat's off! Vim furor plays fast and hard, as you will see:
Guatemala's Radio Viejo (now an official LA band) always has their rabid fanbase make their shows more fun with their sing-alongs and exchanges with the band, and tonite was no exception. Front man Lui Donis, the man behind Radio Viejo, loves to please the fans, playing as long as time permits and singing all the hits, giving always 100% in his performance (At least all the ones that I've seen) below is their set that even included a Soda Stereo song (R.I.P. Gustavo Cerati)
The headliners were next, Pastilla taking the stage and singing all the classic hits from their early days, playing a literal 90s alternative set(!) for the delight of the fans. This was a trip down memory lane with one of the OG Rock en Español acts in Los Angeles. I saw them back in the day and was glad to see them once again, I had lost track of them but the kids are (still) alright. Alternative power pop at its finest!
All girl band Stars At Night closed the night and kept the audience going with their aggressive, in-your-face bilingual metal songs, the perfect band to keep those souls past midnight moshing.I had never heard of them but their L7-like sounds were what was needed. It's interesting to realize that, if it wasn't for Stars, the night would have been all male bands, hopefully next installments of the Festival will include more women, but, all in all, Rock en Español delivered what it promised!
For more info on the bands:
Bipolarte:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/BipolArteMusic/
Elektric Lucie:
https://www.facebook.com/Elektricluciemx
Alma De Jade:
https://www.facebook.com/almadejademusica/
Vim Furor:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/VIMFUROR
Radio Viejo:
https://www.facebook.com/bandaradioviejo/
Pastilla:
https://www.facebook.com/mypastilla/
Stars At Night:
https://www.facebook.com/STARSATNIGHTBAND1
DJ HandsomeDevil:
https://www.facebook.com/Rocksinfronterasone/
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