|
Sonic
therapy –
a
colores @ el bataclan
5th octobre 3006
One of
the defining features of the new music scene here in Mexico is the amount of
collaborations and interactions that goes on between artists.
There is
ample evidence of skill sharing both within and between genres that covers
the length and breadth of the country.
The
electronica is particularly promiscuous with artists involved in many
projects and many musical mindsets at one time.
In rock
the tendency is towards the collective approach with bands involved in
labels such as Happy Fi from
Monterrey, finding strength through unity and
a shared vision of how to market their music to the masses.
There is
always something to be gained in bringing minds and talent together to reap
the synergy that is created through interaction.
a
colores,
a group created to the bringing together of 7 different musicians, seems to
have pushed the envelope in terms of alternative projects.
The band
was created in 2005 by Rafa (Electrik Complex), Rata (Austin TV) and Alan
(Meet Your Feebles) then extended in 2006 to include Juan and Christian (Diagrama
Luna), Mac (No Logo) and Olga, who is working with Los Liquits.
It would
seem almost impossible to coordinate a project such as this with each person
having commitments to their band of origin but things seem to be happening
naturally.
They have
seen no significant problems so far and are confident each member of the
band will continue to divide their time easily.
For the
members of the group a colores gives an opportunity to focus on their
own instrument and an ability to contribute to the process of composition,
which sounds very organic in nature.
The band
made their first live appearance in August to open for the WIO Tour at
Multiforo Alicia in a short and hectic set. El Bataclan last Thursday
saw the group in a more relaxed and confident mood.
The
miniature theatre in Condesa seems to have been designed for a more
restrained style of music. The complex rock concoctions of a
colores were helped to feel more at home by a more than full house that
immediately broke through the natural formality of the venue.
With over
100 people crammed into a space designed for perhaps 50 there was a rather
unsettled and rowdy atmosphere before the band took to the stage. With
Olga opening solo the vibe changed with the audience at once drawn into
their hypnotic world.
The
overall sound is, as one would expect complicated but penetrating.
What must have started as hour long jams have distilled themselves down into
tracks that last as long as they need to.
At times
it could be thought to be self indulgent but all music is isn't it? From the
positive response of the crowd on the night, a colores are helping
others by helping themselves.
The next
outing for the band will come at the end of October as Radiateur (on
the WIO label) visits from France to play a couple of gigs at mulitforo
Alicia before going on to play in a few other towns. a colores
will play the Saturday with meet your feebles supporting on the
Sunday evening.
It will
be interesting to see how a colores develop from here. At the
moment the project seems to be fulfilling its purpose as “sonic therapy” for
its members.
If
anything the night at el bataclan was of incredible importance to the group
as the transition was made from a state of self hypnosis to a point where
a colores realised their ability to mesmerise an audience as well. |
