“Flavorful mariachi surf-rock!”
San Francisco indie rockers Posole take their name from a hearty soup that is a staple of Mexican cuisine. Like their namesake, the band is a potent mix of contrasting flavors. They combine the spice of Central American rhythms and horn lines with the cool, smooth personality of bandleader Daniel Martinez’s laidback vocals and guitar work. Hispanic culture is further reflected in the band’s bilingual lyrics. While their exact meaning is sometimes hard to grasp, themes of struggle, social justice, and existential questions are clear.
Comparisons to Sublime come easily, but to make them would ignore the uniquely “San Francisco” vibe that the music exudes. The inspiration that they draw from the city’s fog-soaked streets is audible in yearning rock ballads like “Freedom Fighter,” and the international influences they incorporate in their music reflect San Francisco’s cultural landscape.
No Justice is the band’s first release, though at 21 minutes, it’s essentially an extended EP. Luckily, this means that it’s harder miss the last song on the album, “Death March,” which is the strongest effort from the band and the best example of their unique sound. In fact, if you buy the album digitally, try listening to the tracks in reverse order for a very different experience.
Posole
No Justice
San Francisco, CA
(Urban Scandal Records)
Mixed by Jonah Strauss
Mastered by Shelly Steffens at Chicago Mastering Service