I don't quite get the connection between authentic Spanish themes and Classic American Rock ‘n Roll, but it doesn't seem to matter on Hermanos de Sangre, the newest release from Federation of Horsepower.
These riffs are muy caliente! Hermanos de Sangre—which is Spanish for blood brothers—is a wonderful mix of straight ahead rock ‘n roll with a Mexican twist. Like a churro dipped in bourbon. With titles like “The Tijuana Upholstery Job” and “Fried Chicken for Breakfast,” one can infer that this tongue-in-cheek approach is backed up by serious pounding rock and Spanish guitar runs. Hermanos would be a wonderful soundtrack to From Dusk Till Dawn.
The four-song EP starts with an extremely traditional Spanish salsa of sorts in “De Estas Manos...” I can only assume this tune is a foreshadowing of the next three songs, in which FoHP rips and tears its way from the Midwest, to the deep south, all the way to Tijuana. As frontman Gregg Todt yells so perfectly, “Goin’ to Tijuana / gonna have myself a ball!”
One might even hear the EP as an homage to KC's very own little Mexico on Southwest Blvd. “The Queen of Rosedale” refers to a long-legged, teardrop-tattooed, dark-eyed lady cruising the Boulevard. Maybe there's a vixen of the Boulevard ruling the roost? Whoever they are referring to, it's obvious that there's a reason she’s the queen. Perhaps this queen is Monique Danielle, who provides additional vocals on this track?
Regardless, Federation of Horsepower sure has rolled itself a fatty burrito filled with tasty licks and savory salsas.
Hermanos de Sangre was released this week and was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights and Measures Soundlab. Federation of Horsepower is heading on a mini-tour this weekend to St. Louis, Chicago, and Nashville, but you can catch them in KC again on June 21 at Davey’s Uptown.
--Josh Simcosky
Josh is a KC native that loves anything meat- or tube-driven related. He also plays guitar for Leering Heathens and Sharp Weapons.
