Have You Ever Heard Of 'Psychedelic Cumbia-Punk'?

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Recently named "Best Band" by LA Weekly in the recent "Best of LA 2017" issue, the psychedelic cumbia-punk trio Thee Commons are oxymoronic in nature, because they're anything but common. Transcending typical genre-blending, the band pulls elements of psychedelic, surf, punk, folk, Latin music, and rap to create a sometimes messy but somehow cohesive album.

Thee Commons have played at festivals such as Coachella, Echo Park Rising, Desert Daze, and Horton's Hayride since forming in 2012; their latest 18-song album “Paleta Sonora” was released on July 28 via Los Angeles-based Cosmica Records. "Paleta Sonora" is the perfect type of energetic, often silly, music to get you through the dull winter months – it'll have you wishing you were on a beach with a margarita in hand.

Favorite tracks: Milk and Honey, Acid Girl, and Sunday's Best

"Milk and Honey," the first single off of the album, begins with a lackadaisical melody and vocals similar to something you'd hear from Devandra Banhart. However, the song takes the listener on a ride from start to finish through scratchy-voiced verses and easy-going rap spotlights.

With a sense of lively urgency, the tempo in "Acid Girl" ramps up the energy. Psychedelic guitar rifts blend with the beat of the drums and the faint horns to create a song to dance to or drive fast on a highway – it's bad-mood-begone type of music. Plus, the raspy vocals return in this track, but this time with Latin flair.

"Sunday's Best" is a surprise. The first half of the track has remnants of surf, punk, and psychedelia. While vocals are nearly absent, the catchy guitar rift will stick to your brain for days after listening. A surprising turn mid-way through leaves the listener wondering "is the song over?" Nope, the party's just begun – with nonsensical lyrics at times, a pick-up in tempo, and back-and-forth chanting between bandmates, it's one-of-a-kind.

Thee Commons are on tour with festival dates, club shows, and a series of shows with Los Angeles natives Fidlar. The Paleta Sonora U.S. Tour launched on September 16 and includes dates with Nina Diaz (Girl In A Coma). Tickets available on the Thee Commons website.

Thee Commons California Tour Dates are below:

• Nov 4 Arcata, CA at Humboldt Brews
• Nov 11 Long Beach, CA at Tropicalia Fest (with Chicano Batman, Os Mutantes etc)
• Nov 17 San Francisco, CA at The Independent
• Nov 18 Visalia, CA at The Cellar Door

For updates on Thee Commons, check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or Official Website. Find their music streaming on Soundcloud, Spotify and Apple Music.

Photos courtesy of Thee Commons