Pistolera

Although based in Brooklyn and infused with the alt/indie spirit of bands from that borough, Pistolera's sound comes from a source a lot farther south: in the rancheras, cumbias, bandas, and norteños of Mexico's folklorico tradition. Smokey-voiced Sandra Lilia Velásquez often writes politically charged lyrics about border issues and the plight of immigrants, and sings them en español with stirring flourishes over swirling accordion figures from Maria Elena and blistering, irresistible rhythms from Inca Satz and Ani Cordero. On Pistolera's latest album, En Este Camino (Thirty Tigers), the music's incendiary spirit is exemplified by "Guerra," a fierce cover of Bob Marley's "War." Complementing the core quartet is a tumultuous array of chortling horns and traditional rhythm instruments that conspire to inflame the grooves and ensure the fiesta never wanes. Favorable comparisons to Los Lobos aren't at all strained.
Thu., March 12, 7 p.m., 2009