|
 The
cosmetics
The real
thing
28 may
2007
The cosmetics are the one
band in Mexico that has made an impressive progression over the last year.
After over ten years playing covers the group ooze the maturity and
confidence both on stage and talking about the business in general that sets
them apart from other less experienced proposals.
Eduardo is a self
confessed anglophile in terms of his music. His parents introduced him to
classic bands from England in the 70s and 80s at a very young age. His
appreciation of British contemporary culture includes the sartorial elegance
of a Chelsea Football Club shirt and the lacing of his lyrics with
insightful expressions like "we'll be spliffed, but feeling fine eh?" and
"Sniffing charlie with a few quid".
ç charlie himself ??
The Cosmetics look the
part and act the part, with each instrument coolly guided through music
that is essentially Anglo in origin. The roots of the band are there
for everyone to see through a cover version of "Mr Pink Eyes" played live
and included on the forthcoming release "NAtional Flavour", which the band
has just finished recording.
The value of the physical
release has been lifted above the virtual through the direct input of
Eduardo, a graphic designer, who has created a comic book story set on the
shady side of the street. The sardonic sentiment incorporated into songs
like “Newcomer” and “Mag Queen” will be given a visual dimension that will
make the CD a must have for fans.
The two standout tracks
arrived "early" for the band and have formed a rock solid popular platform
that has warranted its appearance at about every major event of 2007 so far
including overwhelming crowds at Rockcarga, Vive Latino and the kudos of
supporting Albert Hammond Jr at the end of May. That night at Salon Cuervo
highlighted how The Cosmetics have reached the top.
In a short set "Newcomers"
set the crowd in motion from a standing start. The showmanship and talent
of the 4 musicians was obvious as Alfonso let loose on guitar, Ricardo
bumped up the bass and Ruben drummed up the applause in turn to their
personal introductions as "MC Lalo" worked the crowd beautifully between
and within songs.
A more professional impact
could not have been achieved as the band finally swung into "Mag Queen" to
the delight of an enthusiastic audience. The set seemed slightly heavier
than the usual delivery which again was a smart move that contrasted
effectively with the lighter guitars of Albert Hammond Jr that were to
come.
Most of the bands that
have emerged over the last year seem to have done so with the support of
connected media and major label intervention. The Cosmetics are the
one band that has taken its spot due to popular support, pure preference,
and nothing more. There is nothing cosmetic about The Cosmetics, it is the
real thing.
Dates are lined up at Hard
Rock Live and a range of new "club venues" such as D-Rock in San Angel and
Babel in their native Satelite. The rest of the schedule is filling up
rapidly as the band continues its campaign to make Mexico move to the beat
of the British barrio.
http://myspace.com/cosmetics |
