Los Hermanos Alacranes’ debut album, Uno, is a bold and electrifying collection that fuses traditional Latin music with the raw energy of American rock. This Richmond-based band has crafted an album filled with passion, authenticity, and rhythms designed to get listeners moving. With a mix of Spanish and English songs, Uno invites you to experience a world where storytelling and musicality intertwine seamlessly.
The album opens with “Burn Me,” an energetic and compelling track that sets the stage for what’s to come. From the first beat, the song hooks you with its infectious rhythm, sharp guitar riffs, and Paulo Franco’s fervent vocals. As the band’s first single, “Burn Me” perfectly captures the essence of their sound: bold, dynamic, and emotionally resonant.
The standout track “Doblado,” offers a rich, melancholic melody paired with lyrics that delve into themes of resilience. Franco’s bilingual fluency elevates the song, giving it a depth that resonates across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Tracks like “El Anhelo” and “El Rey” take a more traditional approach, blending nostalgic influences with modern instrumentation. In “El Rey,” the band reinvents a beloved classic, seamlessly marrying its roots with contemporary rock to create something truly memorable.
The band’s ability to shift between genres and moods is one of Uno‘s greatest strengths. “I Don’t Want to Let You Go” helps to bring the album to life as “Just a Desperado” leans into a storytelling tradition, painting vivid images of longing and self-discovery, carried by Franco’s evocative vocal delivery.
“Ríos de Vino” brings a gorgeous and heartfelt sound to the release as, “Catrina y Su Calavera” dives into a more seductive sound from the group. This track captures the joy and mystery of the band as a whole.
The standout “La Estrella de Piedra” is a hauntingly beautiful piece, rich with poetic imagery and layered instrumentation. The song’s atmospheric quality showcases the band’s ability to experiment with sound while maintaining their signature style.
Behind the music is a band deeply rooted in the Richmond music scene. Recorded at Paul Pearce’s home studio, affectionately called The Shed, Uno carries the spirit of collaboration and creativity. Pearce’s guitar work, paired with drummer Rob Lytle’s dynamic rhythms and bassist Chad Bennett’s solid grooves, forms the backbone of each track, while Franco’s vocals tie it all together with an intensity that’s impossible to ignore.
Los Hermanos Alacranes draw on a wide range of influences, from traditional ranchera and cumbia to rockabilly and American classic rock. These inspirations, combined with their unique vision, result in an album that feels fresh yet familiar. The band’s love for cinema, particularly the works of Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, is also evident in their storytelling and cinematic approach to songwriting.
As Uno progresses, it becomes clear that Los Hermanos Alacranes are more than just a Latin fusion rock band; they are musical storytellers. Each track carries its own narrative, weaving tales of love, loss, resilience, and joy. The bilingual nature of the album adds another layer of complexity, inviting a diverse audience to connect with the music on their own terms.
Whether you’re a fan of ranchera, cumbia, or rock, Uno offers something for everyone. The energy and heart poured into every track make this debut an unforgettable listening experience. Los Hermanos Alacranes have arrived, ready to leave their mark on the music world. With Uno, they’ve created an album that demands to be heard—and danced to.
Purchase “Uno” via: https://www.shockoerecords.com/store/p/uno-by-los-hermanos-alacranes
