SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LOS STRAITJACKETS – SOMOS LOS STRAITJACKETS

LOS STRAITJACKETS
SOMOS LOS STRAITJACKETS
YEP ROC RECORDS

Those lucha libre mask-wearing surf rockers, Los Straitjackets, are back with another album of groovy instrumental fun. Lately known as the backing band for Yep Rock labelmate Nick Lowe, they actually have their origins in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as a strictly instrumental act. Somos Los Straitjackets is the band’s 15th studio album, and their first since 2019’s EP release, Channel Surfing.

One might think of surf rock as being a niche genre, but nothing could be farther from the truth with this project. While their roots were born of an archaic style, Los Straitjackets is a 21st century surf band. Presenting their music with a studied maturity and fun, the music is tasteful and highly structured, but there are plenty of surprises and moments of pleasure along the way.

Things get off to a great start with the leadoff track, “Bumper Car,” with its jaunty, early rock ‘n’ roll combo groove. Next up, in a bit of an homage to songs like “Telstar” by The Tornados, Los Straitjackets give us “Polaris.” With its distant, rolling, spacey sound, this song seems to look at the future and the past all at once.

Other highlights on Somos Los Straitjackets include “Genesee River Rock” with its decidedly Chuck Berry feel (especially in the second pass), the garage funk of “Bad Apple,” and the stunning musicianship and artful energy of “High Wire Act.” We would be remiss to not mention the Merseybeat-style fun of “Cry for a Beatle.” As The Beatles copped the style of The Shadows with their 1961 recording “Cry for a Shadow”, so do Los Straitjackets pay respectful tribute to the fab four on this track.

Produced by the band and Jake Guralnick, Somos Los Straitjackets is impeccably recorded. Effects are used sparingly, but to good effect, such as with the heavy reverbed drums on “Numbskull.” The mix is excellent throughout the album, whether on throwback surf songs like “Spinout” or an anthemic rock offering such as “Virgon.” Variety is the strength and beauty of this album. With Los Straitjackets, there is always something interesting and cool to hear.

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