Among the latest signees to Dan Auerbach’s eclectic Easy Eye Sound roster, Austin-based Latin-alt trio The Animeros are supplying the label with a psychedelic cumbia aesthetic that fits neatly within the vintage sheen of the various blues, soul, and gospel releases filling the Black Keys frontman’s already-colorful catalog. Produced by Auerbach, the group’s newly released all-instrumental debut ¡Qué Bárbaro! rides the recent wave of nostalgia for grooving ’60s-era South American dance music.
With the record dropping last Friday, the trio of guitarist Mauro Lopez, bassist Nicolas Sánchez, and percussionist Nick Tozzo took to the stage of their “favorite stage in town” the night prior to introduce Austinites to the new record’s vibrant textures. Photographer Sonny Loya was onsite at the Continental Club all evening to document the proceedings, with The Animeros—additionally featuring Pablo Ranlett-Lopez on congas and David Thacker on keys—providing lucid commentary on the blurry evening.
Check out the photos below, and listen to ¡Qué Bárbaro! here. Additionally, the band’s US tour kicks off later this month—find tickets and dates here.
Relics of an Austin staple
You don’t see this type of hand-drawn stuff nearly enough anymore—incredible
The reason for the season
Nico tuning up
Ready to get toasty—Continental Club servin’ ’em up
A fine spread
It’s showtime!
Let’s roooock!
The Animeros: Mauro, Nick, Nico
Settled in
(L-R) Nick holdin’ it down; David deep in it; Pablo on a roll, ayyye!
Our favorite stage in town
Always a great post-show hang!
Nick and Nico
Fresh off the press: Mauro signing some hot wax
Austin rolls deep
