Monte Negro: Cosmic Twins
California’s bilingual rock darlings, Monte Negro first made waves with their major label debut album, Cicatrix. The album was released in 2008 on Epic Records. The band then self-released an EP, Fugitives Of Pleasure / Pasajeros. Now they self-release their sophomore full-length, Cosmic Twins.
Cosmic Twins is a little hard to get a handle on. The album’s opening track, “Como Quisiera (Pulsar)”, has kind of a new prog feeling to it. It is like listening to Muse in Spanish but that is not how the entire album pans out.
“I Might (Outer-Space Hookers)” reminds me of Death Cab For Cutie‘s “The Sound Of Settling”. Granted Monte Negro adds a little more of a new wave feel with their synthesizers but lead singer Kinski Gallo’s vocals are a carbon copy of Gibbard’s.
While those two tracks illustrate the major styles on the album there are still other styles. Most notably “Guero (The Underdog)” sticks out like a sore thumb. The track has a nu metal vibe that reminds me of Linkin Park. The track addresses the issue of racism towards Mexican Americans which seems like a worthwhile subject but the way it is presented in the track seems a bit ham handed. Kinski sounds like the verses from Sum 41’s “Fat Lip” when he mock raps “they call me wetback”.
Cosmic Twins bounces around styles far too much to feel like a cohesive release. The album presents some good songs but there is a real sense with Monte Negro that just because you like one song by them you might not like any other tracks on the album because they are all very different. That can be a good thing if you’re looking for an eclectic release or it can be annoying if you don’t like some of the subgenres presented.
Rating: 5.3/10
MP3: Monte Negro “Guero (The Underdog)”
Buy: iTunes
Monte Negro: Cosmic Twins
i caught a monte negro show at the Conga Room a few months ago and the band ROCKED the house — so i was really eager for the release of the new cosmic twins album.
bought it yesterday and i can’t stop listening to it. what adam morgan labels lack of cohesiveness, i call pure genius. the songs are varied, and different from Cicatrix, but that’s the magic. they are geniusly crafted and the variety offers a song for every mood. Monte Negro’s innovative style is trail blazing — and I am sure we will see many bands imitating their concepts in the near future.
and beyond all that, the album just rocks. it’s fun, it’s touching, and i (clearly) love it.
:mrgreen:
I am a huge fan of Montenegro since they rocked the house with Satellite district in Charlotte nc almost year ago!! Cosmic twins is very different to cicatrix, but I love the innovation and creativeness they have brought to this album!! Esta una rechimba!! represent Latin rock to the fullest!!