Introduction
It can be said that music is both the heart and the language of culture. A specific cultural group’s melodies and singing manners can reveal many things about its representatives. So I dedicated my ears and mind to rock music from South and Central America. I found many new unique sounds and melodies that North America and other regions cannot offer. As a result, my classic and alternative rock collection has grown with many new bands. Three rock groups that I found the most exciting will be discussed here. This essay serves as a summary of my listening experience in Latin rock music.
My Reaction to the Latin Classic Rock of the 00s
Before presenting my reactions to Latin rock, I have to clarify that I am really into 00s rock music in general. So the first thing I decided to listen is the mainstream Latin rock bands of that decade. Two big rock bands of those times immediately caught my ears, and these are Café Tacvba and Maná. Eres and Quiero Ver are my current favorite songs of the former. Their sound in these and many other songs is similar to the global rock music trends of the 00s. The band members usually use the duo of acoustic guitar and electric one with a little bit of overdrive, and Quiero Ver is a clear example (“Café Tacvba – Quiero Ver”). The band constantly switches between classical and alternative rock soundings between albums and within songs. The vocals of the leading and background singers sound naive and melancholy, but much calmer than their American and Britain counterparts (“Café Tacvba – Eres (Video Oficial)”).
Maná was another Latin rock giant from the decade before last. Their sound and the melodies they use are different from Café Tacvba. They rely more on traditional Latin musical patterns. Musical instruments in percussion and guitar improvisation in Mariposa Traicionera make it clear that they hear Latin rock. Unlike Café Tacvba, the Maná band members prefer to stay within the classic rock genre.
My Reaction to the Modern Latin Alternative Rock
Before starting my search on YouTube for the modern Latin rock bands, I did a little research on the Latin rock music industry changes. I discovered that today’s most popular bands are the same people that were a decade ago. I decided to learn more about the modern underground of Latin alternative and found Camiches, a Mexican rock group. Alt-rock is their primary genre, but one can also hear some musical patterns of post-hardcore. Although it is a little-known band, it seems from the music video that they have achieved significant local popularity (“Camiches “Las Luces” Video Oficial”). Like Café Tacvba, they moved away from traditional tunes to North American sounding, which is a little disappointing. Rock music needs revival in the entertainment sector, and folkish sound could be the innovation many rockers are looking for now.
Conclusion
It is a summary of my experiences of listening to Latin rock. Two rock bands from the 00s and one that appeared in the last decade have been described here; these are Café Tacvba, Maná, and Caches. My favorite band of the three so far is Café Tacvba. I also discussed their sound, including vocals and instruments. Latin rock seems to be in stagnation, just like the genre itself globally.
Works Cited
“Café Tacvba – Eres (Video Oficial).” YouTube, uploaded by Café Tacvba, 2012, Web.
“Café Tacvba – Quiero Ver.” YouTube, uploaded by Café Tacvba, 2009, Web.
“Camiches “Las Luces” Video Oficial.” YouTube, uploaded by Camiches, 2019, Web.
“Maná – Mariposa Traicionera (Video Oficial).” YouTube, uploaded by OficialMana, 2010, Web.