Eslabon Armado - “VETE A LA FREGADA”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 10

Pairs Well With…Porte Diferente, Junior H, DannyLux

It’s fascinating that Eslabon Armado has captured such a wide audience given their unique perspective on Mexican folk, performing in a woozy, almost psych-pop way while still keeping things fully organic. Built on acoustic guitars, little to no percussion, and jazzy, rock-leaning bass-lines, Eslabon Armado are a bit campfire, a bit performance-hall in the way they approach their style. It transcends what was once bright and traditional into a deeper, more personable sound that can connect to indie-rock ears as much as those seeking rooted Mexican folk. Performing out of California, the acoustic-stringed quartet should also be noted for their excelled musicianship, often performing complex and precise melodies within verse and chorus instead of breaking for a straight-up jam. They are touring this year behind 2022’s NOSTALGIA, Eslabon Armado’s fifth full-length and notably the first Regional Mexican Album to ever reach the top-ten of the Billboard 200. Eslabon Armado performs Wednesday night at The Belmont for DEL Records and Marca Única. (Kevin McStravick)