Kiko (CD - 1992)

Los Lobos: David Hidalgo (vocals, guitar, banjo, violin, accordion, piano, percussion); Cesar Rosas (vocals, guitar); Louie Perez (vocals, drums, guitar, percussion); Conrad R. Lozano (guitarron, bass); Steve Berlin (flute, harmonica, soprano, tenor & baritone saxophones, piano, organ, melodica, synthesizer, percussion).

Additional personnel: Fermin Herrera (Veracruz harp); La Chilapena Brass Band (horns); Mitchell Froom (keyboards); Victor Bisetti (drums, percussion); Pete Thomas, Gary Mallaber (drums); Alex Acuna (percussion).

On their early albums, Los Lobos effectively combined their Hispanic roots with rock; on this exotic, percussive and experimental album, which is as much a triumph for co-producer Mitchell Froom as it is for the band, they have created a new, distinctive sound.

The brimming mix is complemented by strong lyrics, evocative vocals and memorable melodies. But it is the often eerie, sometimes industrial, rhythm-based production that gives KIKO its unique twist.

Accordions, melodicas, organs and guitarrons all contribute to KIKO's mysterious, spellbinding sound. "Kiko And The Lavender Moon" may be the zenith of Los Lobos' career--a children's lyric presented with moody vocals and an incredibly melodic, percussive track.

Most of the songs are still roots-influenced. "Saint Behind The Glass" and "Rio De Tenampa" retain the band's Hispanic tradition; "That Train Don't Stop Here" is powered by the blues; "Reva's House" and "Whiskey Trail" rock right out of a country jukebox; and "Peace" could have come out of a Grateful Dead songbook. KIKO blends, bends and reimagines all these styles into one of the most original albums in American rock. minimize