About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Like a punk-rock version of the Gipsy Kings, Spain's Estopa deliver flamenco passion with street attitude, fiery vocals, and the crunch of electric guitar. Brothers David and José Muñoz are already huge stars at home, and while their very Iberian sound -- and slang -- may find a harder road to fame abroad, Destrangis crackles with an energy that breaks the language barrier. The direct lineage of their music is the '70s Gypsy rock of Los Chichos and Peret, but it's easy to discern the bouncing beats and surf guitars that flourish in Latin pop from Shakira to Ricky Martin. Capitalizing on the drama of flamenco palmas, machine-gun guitar strumming, and growling harmonies, Estopa give both genres a solid kick in the pants: "Vino Tinto" has the lean, propulsive swagger of your average Barcelona hardass, while "Ke Pasa!?" offers a Spanish answer to the fashionable Budweiser-inspired "Whaaaaassssssup!?" Following the surprise success of their eponymous debut, Destrangis benefits from splashier production and a more confident attack. While there are the fair share of ballads, the Muñoz brothers opt for more rumba and rock rhythms, with some special touches: "Partiendo la Pana" engages a boozy horn section and Perez Prado shouts before descending into Mexican-inspired madness. If your idea of a bar band encompasses red wine and olives, Estopa will be your new amigos. Mark Schwartz, Barnes & Noble

Customer Reviews

• Listener Rating:
• Ratings: 2Reviews: 2