Chicano Batman
Notebook Fantasy
ATO
Four years after the bold, brightly colored, surprisingly broad blend of happy psychedelia and R&B that was Invisible People, and three years after Bardo Martinez’s lo-fi electronic solo debut, the trio of Chicano Batman music-makers continue to move into the realm of Lite-Brite pixelation and colorful zeal with Notebook Fantasy. Yet it’s not as if vocalist/lyricist Martinez, guitarist Carlos Arévalo, and bassist Eduardo Arenas are about to let Batman’s “Chicano” part disappear with its flavorful heft and dense rhythmic sway. The Spain-in-space funk of “Hojas Secas” and the Afro-Colombian groove of “Lei Lá” are prime examples of the trio’s regularly scheduled deep dives into the Latin continuum’s funky traditionalism and Mexicali rock and roll.
The orchestrated and cleverly love-laced balladry of “Era Primavera” is another part of Batman’s makeup, motivated as it is by Martinez’s respect for the giants of Latin music’s cinematic-sounding past. Moving beyond their Latin retro-rocking vibe with producer John Congleton, however, has taken Chicano Batman away from their cluttered usual—out of their headspace—into someplace brighter than even Invisible People let on. Notebook Fantasy is a roomier venue where the infusion of Magical-Mystery mysticism (“Fairytale Love”), expansively elated synth-pop (“Fly”), and anthemic ’70s flourishes (“Live Today,” “Parallels”) breathe heroically.
With such openness as its guide, the voices and melodies here are clearer, more contagious, and louder, rather than intermingled in unison with Batman’s crowded instrumentation. It’s not like you won’t recognize the old Chicano Batman’s homey, Latin-laced palate from the open-air vibes of Notebook Fantasy—there’s just more room to love those zesty flavors with a greater array of accompanying tastes.
