Vallejo
has confirmed its status as one of Austin's premiere bands with
the release of Stereo. I see about half of the CD having
a solid chance of radio play. After listening to a CD a few times,
I'm usually ready to write my review. I have the CD playing in
the background while I write in case something else jumps out
that I need to mention. Just getting started with the first paragraph
has dragged on too long because I can't help myself from singing
along with Vallejo's CD.
Vallejo
has a special talent for writing rock songs that no only get people's
heads bobbing, but infects their entire body. Listen to Downtown
or Rock Americano and see if you can really resist
the urge to shake your rump. They also have a talent for writing
personal songs that can somehow keep their rock edge while maintaining
a certain sense of intimacy. The following songs fit into that
category: You Are, Wait For Me, and Let's Talk
About It. I predict that I'll eventually hear each one of
these songs on the radio. If I don't, the radio stations are doing
their listeners a great disservice.
Stereo
is packed with energy and attitude throughout the CD. Vices
states that 'Everybody needs a vice - Just to get by...in your
own life' and 'Just to get right...in your own mind (just don't
abuse it, and try not to lose it)'. Rock Americano proclaims
their pride in their Latin American heritage. Vallejo's Latin
American influences have done nothing but enhance the ability
of the band to crank out some great music. In fact, the very next
song on the CD, Answers Inside, has a very distinct Latin
rhythm coupled with some Santana-like lead guitar.
The
CD is topped off with a cover of Wall of Voodoo's Mexican Radio.
I had forgotten what a great song this is. Vallejo found the
perfect cover to integrate into a CD that is almost completely
written by the members of the band.
Vallejo's
current lineup includes A.J. Vallejo (vocals/guitars), Omar Vallejo
(bass/backup vocals), Alejandro Vallejo (drums), Diego Simmons
(percussion), and Health Clark (guitars). Although they can put
together a killer CD, most people claim that Vallejo is best live.
In past years, there have been periods of time when Vallejo has
been on the road, and catching them in Austin has been difficult.
Lately, they've been playing more and more in town. Do yourself
a favor and catch them while you can. Stereo is about to
explode, and there is sure to be a demand for them to get back
on the road.
Vallejo
