On his third effort for Cravedog Records, Fernando Viciconte took leave from the band that bears his first name to pursue a Spanish-language solo project “about the American Chicano experience”. Set in his childhood home of Pacoima, California, Fernando’s experience alternates between defiance and despondence, finally settling into a groove that brims with love.
Guitar-based roots-rock defines the core sound of this album, punctuated throughout by pedal steel, trumpets, lap steel, organs and cowbells. Six tracks were co-written by Luther Russell, who also produced and adds much of the instrumentation. Invoking the spirit of Pacoima’s favorite son, Fernando covers Ritchie Valens on a fleeting rendition of “Ooh, My Head”.
The title track is a six-minute instrumental epic and musical stroke of genius. Drums and organ respectively advance and suspend time while trumpets and electric guitar wage a war of good and evil in a dramatic bass/treble exchange. Fernando’s tribute to his hometown is intensified by his bold decision to let music say what words cannot.
There are places in America that no one associates with art. For every Seattle there is a Lynnwood. For every New York City there is a Paramus. For every L.A. there is a Pacoima. Fernando has indeed broken ground here, pulling soulful aesthetics from the heart of the cultural void.
