Citizen Staff Writer
Music
Tucson Citizen
Tucsonans who like the frenetic rhythms of Mexican quintet Kinky will probably revel in the band’s newest CD, “Barracuda.”
“It is more aggressive than the others and resembles the live energy
we have,” Kinky guitarist Carlos Chairez says during a phone interview.
“It’s a little mean, a little mysterious. The Barracuda is always in
the dark and it’s ready to grab anything that passes by.”
The album is a continuation of the band’s sonic exploration and defies categorization.
“The ideal fan is one that is craving new stuff,” he says. “We’re
characterized as electronic but we love rock and a lot of different
genres . . . Live, we experiment with the songs. We rock it a lot
more.”
Kinky’s music, about two-thirds of which is in Spanish, is a
high-speed fusion of ’80s and ’90s electronica, rock, some jazz, and
regional Mexican stylings. Also in the mix: synthesized audio, heavy
percussion, guitar and even some accordion.
“A lot of people have tried to categorize the music but we cannot
really put any labels on it because we have been invited to play rock
bars and jazz festivals,” Chairez says.
In many of their songs, the group combines several of these genres
to create a musical gumbo of sounds. In others, the sound is almost so
mainstream American rock, it could easily throw off the unfamiliar
listener.
“(Kinky) is about going further. In a sexual connotation or a musical context, it means the same to us,” Chairez explains.
Much of what Kinky sings about can be interpreted in different ways,
subtly or blatantly referring to sex, politics, love, party life, or
simply putting creative spins on mundane everyday events.
Songs from “Barracuda” vary, from the bawdy “Those Girls” to “Hasta Quemarnos,” a command to dance “until we burn.”
“We’re not (too) crazy but we can definitely back the lyrics,” says
Chairez, revealing that some band members’ experiences with drugs in
the party scene influence their music.
The party spirit continues at Kinky concerts, where the band strives to get the crowd moving.
“It’s about celebrating the energy of music,” Chairez says.
IF YOU GO
What: Kinky in concert, with The Jons opening
When: Doors open at 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Club Congress. 311 E. Congress St.
Price: $14 in advance, $16 day of the show.
Info: 622-8848, www.hotelcongress.com