Sometimes the hardest thing in the world is to put words to music. I'm not talking about lyrics, I'm talking about journalism. With some artists, categorization comes easy. With a band as unique as Look Mexico, it's no walk in the park. And perhaps that's not just because the music is so unique--it's also heartfelt. This is a band that will enter into a crowd during a show or even play sitting down from stage. They'll take time with fans after shows. They'll even manage to worm their way into the heart of the oldest guy there. Just ask my dad. With Look Mexico there's no pretense and it's never us versus them. Instead we're all in this crazy thing together and this music is as much ours as it is theirs. Unique? Check. Heart? Check. But want to know the craziest part? Look Mexico has talent, too, and their latest offering, Gasp, Asp, is proof of this.
“As we were developing a new live sound, we realized that it could call for an even broader instrumentation for the EP including cello, organ, rhodes, trombone, trumpet, violin, and wurlitzer... while still not separating ourselves from the rock-and-roll core of the band,” comments Matt Agrella.
And they haven't. While Look Mexico has undoubtedly sharpened their songwriting skills, tightened the instrumental interplay and broadened their experimental horizons since This Is Animal Music, Gasp, Asp, still embodies that indescribable vim and vigor that only youthful ambition and enthusiasm can spark. Look Mexico is one of those rare examples where the sum of its parts is greater than any individual contribution, where each kinetic, angular guitar note rings out, dancing around rippled bass lines while songs are propelled by spring-loaded drums and served up to the listener with warm, sincere pop hooks. Alone, Matt Agrella, Ryan Slate, Josh Mikel, Ryan Smith, and Dave Pinkham are talented musicians. Together as Look Mexico, they are unquestionably something special.
Perhaps the most striking change in the band’s evolution is their grasp (not to be mistaken for “gasp” or “asp”) of discriminating restraint, allowing songs to breathe and blossom into something truly distinct while still embracing that playful, boundless nature that Look Mexico has always been known for. Gasp, Asp gives nods to driving, post-punk and complex math-rock without ever blatantly shoving it down your throat. Yes, the guitars intertwine and jitter flirtatiously and the dynamic rhythm section is tireless, but beneath it all, these are pop songs -- albeit pop songs with an unpredictable, impetuous slant -- and the band weaves its music around mountains of unforgettably catchy hooks. Matt Agrella’s voice is earnest and heartfelt; it’s certainly the focal point here, but one that allows for brightly swelling crescendos, subtle starts and stops and surging-yet-intricate textures that make Look Mexico’s music burst with vitality.
IN THE PRESS
“Like with clear spring days, you can't help but be transported to a happy place with Look Mexico on repeat. Their relaxed, intricate tone evokes Minus The Bear or American Football, nimble guitars constantly weaving delicate backdrops for Agrella’s heartfelt and melody-laced couplets…” – SPIN.com, Band of the Day
“…playful math-rock calculations, serene sonic textures and an unflappable rhythm section…” – Alternative Press Magazine
“If American Football had traded their somber musings for a more upbeat demeanor, Look Mexico would have had an older twin brother. The fact is, both exemplify everything good that can result from jazzy instrumentation and cohesive song structures. Look Mexico just chooses to do this with a grin from ear to ear.” – Punk News
“Look Mexico plays music that sounds great on a hot southern day right after it rained and you’re sitting on the front porch drinking a beer.” – Sounds As Language
“Look Mexico is certainly an outfit to keep an eye on. Their obvious talent and their reputation for fantastic live shows - and great Beastie Boys covers - could earn them a spot on the indie-rock A-list.” – Stereo Subversion
“Look Mexico are a goofy indie quartet from Tallahassee, but their instrumental chops and arranging skills are seriously good.” – Popmatters
“While Look Mexico has drawn many comparisons to old-school emo bands like The Promise Ring and American Football, they still maintain some of the qualities that should attract younger indie fans as well...a variety of odd time signatures, jangly, meandering guitars, and smooth, relaxing vocals.” – For The Sound
“Bands like this don’t just come out of the swamps of Florida.” – Scene Point Blank
“Because the songs are simple at heart, the band creates an incredibly soothing yet spirited atmosphere that never stales...” – Paste Punk
“Look Mexico, at times, are nothing less than beautiful and one of those rare bands that sound so majestic with minimal effort.” – Punktastic
“I had a friend describe their music as, “the sound of a thousand wailing banshees.” I would think Look Mexico would take that as a compliment, since these guys seem to enjoy being naked, do Beastie Boys tribute shows, believe themselves to be superheroes and have diamonds all over their bodies.” – Independent Clauses
d. LIVE:
08/28 Pensacola, FL @ The Red Door Venue
09/04 Houston, TX @ The Free Press
09/05 San Antonio, TX @ The Warhol
09/06 Austin, TX @ Creekside Lounge
09/07 Dallas, TX @ The Door
09/08 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
09/15 Stockton, CA @ The Blackwater Cafe w/Fake Problems, Cobra
09/16 Mountain View, CA @ Red Rock Coffee w/Fake Problems, Cobra
09/18 Pomona, CA @ The Glasshouse Record Store w/Fake Problems, Cobra
09/19 Riverside, CA @ Back To The Grind
09/20 Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
09/21 San Diego, CA @ O' Connells
09/22 Scottsdale, AZ @ Chryo Arts
09/26 Cincinnati, OH @ Midpoint Music Festival Lujo Records Showcase
09/27 Dayton, OH @ The Oregon Express
09/28 Louisville, KY @ Skull Alley w/Winter Sounds
10/03 Greenville, SC @ ONE Festival
10/16 Auburndale, FL @ Bloodhound Bash
10/17 Ashville, NC @ The New French Bar w/The Dark Romantics
10/18 Charlotte, NC @ Lunchbox Records w/The Dark Romantics
10/26 Virginia Beach, VA @ The Jewish Mother
10/28 Columbia, SC @ The New Brookland Tavern w/Fake Problems
10/29 Nashville, TN @ Springwater w/Winter Sounds
10/31 Gainesville, FL @ The Fest 7
For more info
http://www.myspace.com/lookmexico
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