I absolutely love it when a band pops up on my radar that offers something completely different from what I’m usually listening to. London instrumental masters Los Bitchos did just that with their debut album Let the Festivities Begin. Comprised of bassist Agustina Ruiz, guitarist Serra Petale, drummer Nic Crawshaw, and bassist Josefine Jonsson, Los Bitchos delivers an instrumental collection of songs that boast a wide variety of cultural music such as Peruvian, Turkish, and even some traditional Asian infused surf guitar rock.
Kicking off with “The Link Is About to Die” sets the tone for the album for what I can only describe as a fun, wild ride. Actually, it’s not so much of a ride as it is a ‘70s style car chase or on-foot chase through crowded streets while the girls duck and weave to avoid being caught for what is most likely having too much fucking fun. “Pista (Fresh Start)” pretty much sounds like the girls dipped into a Taqueria for a few margaritas to celebrate the getaway and then crash the stage to jam out a song.
“Las Panteras” is the stand-out track for me could be the soundtrack for a lost Coen Brothers or Tarantino flick. It has the vibe of an old-school ‘70s heist film only to take a sharp turn into a mashup of traditional Asian music with some Cuban percussion and funk.
I don’t even know why I am attempting to put this album to words. Like Bob Weir sang in the Grateful Dead song “The Music Never Stopped,” Los Bitchos is “… a band beyond description.” Let the Festivities Begin is fun, refreshing, and the perfect soundtrack to your next summer porch party. Los Bitchos delivered the album that the world so needed to hear in these dark times, and it reminds me of how much fun music can be. Sometimes I forget that music can be just goofy, carefree fun, and Los Bitchos is here not just to remind me but to remind the world to smile, dance, and get those margaritas and tequila shots flowing. Let the Festivities Begin… I couldn’t have said it better myself.
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