Under the Radar
Don’t ask me where, I can’t recall, but I remember reading/seeing/hearing about a band called “Los Lonely Boys.” What was important to me? They were from San Angelo, TX. That’s \\all\\ I could remember. San Angelo?
I first worked in San Angelo, about a decade back. I loved the town. \\It’s in the middle of West Texas, close to nothing.\\ No big highways – interstates – no big airport, not much of note. It’s about three hour drive west from here, in the middle of rolling prairies. Not wonderful, but just kind of nice. Small town. Small town feeling. These days, I guess, they do have an ice hockey team – go [insert team name here>! Angelo State University, noted for something. Excellent cuisine, both Tex-Mex and steak. It’s the middle of cattle country, as I recall, and – oh yeah – there’s a now an art museum or something there, too.
So Los Lonely Boys were opening for Del Castillo, and my sweet Pisces friend has been after me to catch that act, therefore, it was Vietnamese bowl of dinner [steak, tendon & tripe soup with noodles – very good>, then Los Lonely Boys, and I was little worried. See, I had an airport run scheduled in the middle of this, had to pick up a red-headed Capricorn.
I only caught about 45 minutes of Los Lonely Boys, and for three guys, a little old band from Texas, it was amazing. When I looked on their website, I found that they’re hitting all my favorite hotspots, the Texas Tour. San Angelo, Midland, Odessa, Corpus Christi, San Antonio. All the good places.
Los Lonely Boys though, are “under the radar.” The band they opened for, Del Castillo, that band has recognition. Showmanship. Good stuff. Promises and hints in the air. Plus a hook: twin guitars that will rock your socks. Assuming of course, that you wear socks. I don’t think I’ve worn socks in many months, and I won’t be, not until later this month.
Del Castillo has the exact ingredients to take them far. As I understand it, they’ve only really been on the scene for a few months, but they have that powerful rhythm, that good hook, and some pretty amazing work by the two brothers on guitar that almost has to guarantee success.
But that opening act, the guys I had some strange pull to see originally, they are flying in under the radar. Del Castillo? Bound to be a big hit soon. Incredible musicians. Very versatile. Quite accomplished with the fretwork. Plus the vocalist can really move with the grace of dancer. And hint of something tribal, too.
I’ve seen a lot “Austin” guitar slingers. Del Castillo, coming soon to a real alternative radio near you, I’m sure. Los Lonely Boys? Stay tuned, I figure they’ve also got some talent.
I’m pretty jaded, these days, when it comes to music. Austin’s got a ton of it, right in my own backyard. To see something that really get me excited is tough. Both acts were exciting. Both were typical in that they weren’t typical. Breaking down barriers is good. Even for a white boy like me.
