Kinky - Barracuda

Genre electro-pop Publisher Kin-Kon/Nettwerk

Kinky, Mexico’s finest techno-pop group cranks the beats up a notch on their fourth studio album, Barracuda. The electric quintet from Monterrey, Mexico came together in 2000, first with the trio of Gilberto Cerezo (vocals, guitar), Ulises Lozano (keyboard), and Carlos Chairez (guitar). Bassist Cesar Pliego and drummer Omar Gongora joined later in the summer. Considering some of Barracuda was co-produced by Money Mark (Beastie Boys) and Chico Sonido, it easy to understand the level of sophisticated electronica that eminent from this album. Their music is smidge reminiscent of the ‘80s underground techno glory days but has a modern feel and you’d swear you are in some hip new L. A. club.  

You may not recognize the name Kinky (in relation to music) I can almost guarantee you have heard at least one of their hits, (although you had no idea who it was.) Their song, “We Are the Galaxy” is the official anthem for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer. The breakout hit "Más" was featured in a Nissan car commercial, on the video game SSX 3, in the 2004 movie “Man on Fire,” and on an episode of NCIS. "Uruapan Breaks" was featured in the Showtime series Dexter and on the series Soundtrack. With success already in the bag, they set out again to create a Spanish pop album better than last.

Do not fret. Barracuda is for not only the Spanish- speaking, while they have thrown in a few English-language tracks it’s really an album for all, even the gringos! Invigorating tempos and rhythmic hooks in this album actually transcend language. It will have you wanting to get out on the dance floor. (I even picked up a little Spanish on the way.) 

The entire album is worth the play through the tracks I am highlighting are the most notable. "Hasta Quemarnos" (Until We Burn Up) has a modern, easygoing melody with disco kick on the backbeat. I really love this song. Molotov singer Randy Ebright guests on "Those Girls," a sentiment about the difficult to approach-too hot for you-girls.

"The Day I Lost the Beat," is a chippy instrumental continuation of "Masacre Sónica." (Sonic Massacre) The band takes to the friendly skies in "Papel Volando" (Flying Paper) and "Avion" (Airplane) intermixing more prominent guitar riffs with a solid techno base.

"Marcha Atras" (Reverse Gear) and “Diablo Azul” (Blue Devil) are hard synthesized and heavy in traditional Mexican bass.

I should say that I am a bit of a music schizophrenic and that even for me the thought of actually liking a Spanish techno-dance group seemed far-fetched. Barracuda is a great upbeat, fresh new album. When I tell my friends, I have some new music that they are going to love; a Spanish techno group. They will give a perplexed look and snicker. When I play it for them, the fact that most of the songs are in Spanish will become unimportant; they will be too busy enjoying it to notice.