Red Bull Soundclash Latino Flavor

Just days before El Día de los Muertos, and amidst a pounding monsoon rain, Houston played host to a unique challenge unlike any spelled out or put on before: Red Bull Soundclash. Red Bull Soundclash is an unparalleled, live music conversation and performance between two bands with diverse sounds, styles and creativity. This musical battle unfolds as each band fights for the grace and cheers of the audience. Which band will better anticipate the other? Which band will have the strength to keep playing? Well I found out and the energized Houston, TX audience decided so. We, 1,500 strong, witnessed two of Latin America’s most ambitious talents vying not only with their music, but revamping their competitor’s material as well! Style points counted and originality was king. I was witness to the glory that is Latin rock!

In this corner was Plastilina Mosh, the czars of Latin rock hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, who brought to the stage their own version of a funky, groovy, dance/pop which they have called their own since the release of “Nino Bomba” in 1997. Since their first video hit American MTV as one of the first “rock en espanol” crossovers, former gaming buddies Jonás Gonzalez and Alejandro Rosso, knew they had something right.

And in this corner, a disco, acid-jazz funk reverberated throughout the venue with just a lil’ South American twist from Los Amigos Invisibles, a Caracas jam band discovered by none other than David Byrne. Since signing with the Luaka Bop label in 1997, these tropical transplants have seen no less than 5 Grammy (2 U.S. /3 Latin) nominations posted to their door.

The battle took place inside one of Houston’s premier venues, Escapade 2001, and consisted of 4 rounds of crowd decided fate:
Round 1- The Cover
Each band is to do its own pre-rehearsed version of-“Ride the White Horse” by Laid Back
Round 2- The Takeover
Begin with each band starting one of its own respective songs and then stopping mid track and letting the other band finish said song.
Round 3 – The Clash
Each band is to take one of its own tunes and transform it into the style of an oriental,
reggae, and a Heavy Metal ballad.
Round 4-The Wildcard

This final round requires each band to bring a “surprise’ guest on stage. “Afroman” left Plastilina hanging, but —— set the crowd on fire for Los Amigos.

In the end though, it was “Chulius”, “DJ Afro”, Maurimix”, “Catire”, and “Mamel” as the Los Amigos Invisibles, who left the stage a unanimous victor proudly waving their own tri-color battle flag high.