The Chamanas is a bi-national group (El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico) that calls their music “fronteriza” or “from the border.” Their debut album, Once Once, showcases a distinctive sound that is a hybrid of traditional guitar driven Mexican folk melodies and computer and synthesizer generated riffs and beats treated with a 1990’s Too Pure records approach. Complement this with a 1970’s AM Latin-American radio mainstream melodramatic pop tone and the breathy and occasional mournful vocals of singer Amalia Mondragon, and the result is an amalgamation that proves unique and particularly fresh for a band singing in Spanish these days. Inspired and timeless.

RIYL: Chicano Batman, Broadcast, Los Terricolas, Pram, Cafe Tacuba’s Reves/Yo Soy.

FCC CLEAN!!
Recommended Tracks: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12

1. (4:20) Purple Yellow Red and Blue – Huapangoesque inspired guitar rhythms and a strong vocal interpretation are the highlights of this track. Right amount of electronic effects.
2. (3:22) *Maldad – Traditional corrido rhythms mixed over synthesizer produced melodies and beats. Slow and nostalgic.
3. (4:14) Alas de Hierro – 1970’s AM pop radio references here. Dramatic.
4. (4:01) **Dulce Mal – Slow and moving tune. The vocals hold all the tension in the track. Theatrical and more dramatic that the previous track.
5. (3:18) *11 11 – Another pop gem. Simplicity for the benefit of the track.
6. (3:29) Embrujo – Part two of previous track. More ambitious arrangements here. Pleasant melody.
7. (3:43) *El Cauca – Electrified charango guitar riff intro. Loud and calm rhythmic changes. Charming melody. Cool chorus. Reminiscent of late 1990’s Spanish alternative music.
8. (3:11) Pueblito – Mid tempo rhythmic composition with a melody that reminds me of Martika’s Toy Soldiers song.
9. (4:21) **Neblina – Stunning piece of music. 1970’s AM pop radio filtered through a faster rhythmic structured that brings to mind the electronic pop of Broadcast. Semi-tropical ending. My favorite track on the album.
10. (3:54) Las Penas – Latin-American folk rock that is part retro, part current. Dramatic and quite political overtones.
11. (3:34) **Inadvertida – Fine upbeat electro pop gem. Lovely vocal melody.
12. (4:21) *Desde Ayer – Delightful midtempo track with the right amount of theatrics.