Over the past week or so the New Band Palace mulled over many well deserving bands that sent their Myspace information to musiccourt@gmail.com. (For the future any band may simply post their information under the New Band Palace link so people can take a look at your page or info even if you are not selected as the “New Band Palace Band.” After much thought the title of New Band Palace Band #1 goes to 23 Otonos and digging into my years of high school (and one semester of college) Spanish knowledge this means 23 (duh!) Autumns.
Yes, 23 Otonos are from Buenos Aires, Argentina, but, while the majority of their songs are in Spanish, English does appear in their music and through this profile you will see surprisingly how 23 Otonos does it.
Immediate disclaimer. My Spanish is spotty at best and I will make a fool of myself if I try to decipher the lyrics, so while I am sure they are good, I will only go on music and vocals attempting to do no disservice to a very noteworthy band from Argentina. Let us pound out the basics (thank you for posting an English history on your Myspace page) before we get to two songs that I thought were just great.
Band: 23 Otonos
Origin: Buenos Aires, Argentina (you should just here my fake accent, spot on!)
Genre: Alternative Metal/Punk
Founded: 2007-
Line-Up:
– Drums: Penumbra Amour
– Guitars: Dave and Chris
– Bass Guitar: Fede
– Vocals: Jaba
Name: Not provided on the Myspace, but, my best guess is that after 23 autumns something special happened. 23 Otonos fill me in.
History: After ten years in the background of the rock and metal scene in Argentina, the five musicians in 23 Otonos decided is was about time that they stepped into the spotlight and became a popular union of musicians on their own. Luckily for them, their talent and musical intelligence has shot them to the top of the Argentinean music scene where they have won numerous awards and competitions including winning the Vans Rock and Ramp competition in 2008 which was designed to search for the best alternative rock band in Argentina. They celebrated this victory with more intensified musical fervor and longed to get back into the studio and record more music. Currently they are exploring the live music scene and are even working on their first official video. They are definitely a “Band to Watch,” for their passion flourishes through the heavier punk sounds they produce.
Songs to Check Out:
Un Segundo de Calma: I feel so bilingual. This translates into A Second of Calm in English. I want to thank my college professor, who was also Argentinean. Now to the song. In my opinion, this is 23 Otonos best track because I feel as if it plays perfectly to the punk listeners ears while providing a heavy metal background that makes the song sound like a harder rocking Blink 182 track. This is not an insult (I personally like Blink 182). This is actually a big compliment because I, who does not listen to too much metal unless I am at the gym, found this song to be not only catchy, but also well put together. From the beginning of the song I immediately hear elements of Blink 182 punk mixed with a heavier drum beat provided by Penumbra that is obviously inspired by heavier metal. It is a melodic mix. Come the verse Jaba’s great voice mixes perfectly with Dave and Chris’s harder rock riff with Fede’s bass guitar keeping perfect rhythm. The chorus really brings the song together with a very catchy hook that makes the song catchy punk/metal. I love the intertwinement. Fede has an awesome bass solo at around 1:50 (I personally enjoy when the bassist gets a shout out). Overall great song.
Maniac: I know what you’re thinking. This is English. I bet another thought is running through your mind but right now you are dismissing it because this music is punk/metal not 80’s movie soundtrack. But, wait, I told you I had a little surprise. “Maniac,” by Michael Sembello that appeared in the movie “Flashdance,” where Jennifer Beals pours water on herself during a workout montage, has been covered by 23 Otonos. I know what your thinking utter disaster. But, what if I was to tell you that it was a success. First, little fun fact. Sembello originally was inspired to write this song by the movie “Maniac,” where a serial killer stalks victims in New York City. The original lyrics went, “He’s a maniac, maniac, that’s for sure. He will kill your cat and nail him to the door.” Seems more up the alleyway for 23 Otonos but thank the lord they used the Flashdance revised “Maniac,” because, between you and me, the other lyrics are pretty dumb. Now to the cover of “Maniac.” 23 Otonos I applaud you. You took a corny 80’s song and made it awesome. The catchiest metal song I have hard in a while. I can consider this metal because Dave and Chris’s guitar riff is a heavy riff and it combines perfectly with the fast pounding drum beat provided by Penumbra and the harder rhythm provided by Fede. Not to mention Chris and Dave have guitar solos that are metal solos, no denying that. The song is brought together by Jaba’s voice. It is in English and Jaba sings the song so well I swear I hope many see this review and give this band United States credit where it is due. This song, in my opinion, can be popular in the States.
More Info and How to Check Them Out: You can listen to some of their tracks over on their Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/23otonos. Unfortunately, they are only touring their home Argentina so no luck for the United States but continue checking their great page for more information.
Thank you for all the bands who sent their information. Continue posting your band information in the comment section of the next New Band Palace Post for your chance to be recognized as the New Band Palace Band #2. For directions see the New Band Palace Band #2 post for even more information or e-mail me at Musiccourt@gmail.com Thanks again and congratulations 23 Otonos I wish you the best of luck in your future musical endeavors.
The Music Court 
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