iZCALLi – III

by CHARLIE ANDERSON

3.5 stars out of 5

Nearly nine years earlier, Denver-based Izcalli was focusing efforts on acoustically-centered ballads. However, with last month’s release of III, the band’s third full-length album, it is clear that Izcalli has found its stride in high energy, Spanish rock and roll. The fast-paced album draws clearly from a number of influences across the board, though the unique touch of the trio builds a sound of its own. Front man Miguel Avina creates his own musical persona through a dynamic, powerful charisma, leading the charge through waves of ska (“Esa Forma De Vivir”), frenzied alternative (“Me Dejas Mal”) and quick recollections of Zeppelin inspiration (the album title is no coincidence). Be on the watch for a newfound wave of Latin rock momentum, including Izcalli’s work with RETI (Rock En Tu Idioma), an organization directed towards “propagating Spanish music in the US.”