“Arellano” Album Review

La Rosa Noir is a Chicago based group whose music fuses together the vigorous sound of surf rock with the nostalgic sound of the 90s. This past October they released their long awaited album, “Arellano,” which is one of my favorite albums to come from this year.

The album begins with “Mamacita,” a song layered with beautiful melancholic synth bells to back up what sounds like an old voicemail from someone’s mother. The person speaking uses terms of endearment such as “mi amor” and “my princess” to tell her that she is special and can’t wait to see her the next day. As an objective listener, tears started to well up in my eyes as I thought about my relationship with my own mother and how much little things like a voicemail means to me. This song is a beautiful ode to someone who is loved or missed, a song that makes your chest heavy and want to give someone you love a call. 

The next song on the album, “Silk + Blade,” begins with a drum hit and heavy hitting guitar. It is an anthem and beautiful dedication with lyrics that read:

“I fell in love with how she only got stronger

I didn’t even know that was possible

You see Ama I’m just like you I don’t really think things through

Do you know what I was made of?

I bet you hid all the clues

I was made with half silk and half blade”

The chorus lyrics backed with the heroic sounds of a horn section ignites a sense of bravery and passion. “Silk + Blade” is an extremely powerful metaphor for knowing as well as being like someone dear to you who is soft and caring yet strong willed and tenacious; an anthem of what it is to be a woman and to have such a powerful woman figure in your life.

Following “Silk + Blade” is “Pax.” The song's introduction gives a feeling of angst with a deep, dark, and rock heavy bass line. The chord progression of the electric guitar in this song has an edge, provoking a feeling of needing a change. The lyrics of the chorus read:

“Someone told me there’s something wrong with her face

I can’t stand you or this place”

The vocals from lead singer, Yeshi Regalado, are extremely notable and hard hitting in this song, really showcasing her range and passion. 

Another thing that I love about La Rosa Noir’s sound in “Arellano” is the fast, deep guitar heard in “I’d Take You.” I am not kidding you when I say this, I listened to the beginning of this song at least ten times when having a first listen through the album. The guitar is suave and smooth as it moves through to a haunting chorus backed by maracas and trumpets. About three quarters into the song, the tune switches up from making you want to shake your hips to making you want to head bang. 

The next song on the album is “Lavender Warm.” This song is subtle and sweet, allowing me to have a main character moment on the Chicago red line. It is beautiful and pure, that of which can be felt through the weepy guitar and lyrics which read:

“Rainy days and and foggy skies

Makes me feel like a midwestern home

Rainy days and foggy skies

How does that feel like lavender warm.”

My favorite song on this album is “New Gods” hands down. This song is crafted so beautifully and with intention. The lyrics sung alternate back and forth with the guitar almost as if in conversation like a call and response. The message of this song is beautiful and inspiring and becomes even more so when listening to the composition of it. Regalado sings:

“The Gods are waiting for you

A path lies before you to which you are called

The Gods are waiting for you

Sleep doesn’t help if it’s your soul that’s tired”

Between each line the guitar whales as if reacting to what is said in a way that feels like acceptance. This song has unlocked an emotional high in me, especially being in my early 20’s at a place in my life where a lot is unknown. It feels like a warm hug as the song reassures us that there is a path and a plan for you.

The band brings us the epitome of surf rock with the next track on the album “Streetlight.” It is up-beat and has breaks filled with synced guitar chords and drum hits. This song feels mystical and modern, filling me with a sense of urgency.

For those of you looking for a party anthem, the next track “Chicano Stomp” is the one for you. This song is fast and rushed in Dick Dale fashion with an intent to make you get up and move. The background is filled with voices yelping and hollering, as if it was recorded at a party.

The next song on the album is “Red Motorcycle,” a fan favorite, making La Rosa Noir’s number one streamed song on Spotify. The song is filled with high energy from all sections of the band. The vocals on this song are passionate and filled with rage as Regalado sings:

“Playing pictures in my head

Remembering whatever you just said 

About how sensitive I get when I talk about my parents

Broken man I don’t care if you don’t understand

Messed up brain oh please don’t lose your name”

To me, this song resembles a big middle finger to anyone who doesn’t care to understand. The lyrics are defensive and sensitive, but in a way that fills me with rage and angst. 

Wrapping up “Arellano” is the final track on the album “Darling.” The track opens up with the lyrics “Oh Darling” from the ever so famous Beatles tune. The song is dreamy and filled with regret as the lyrics cry sorrowfully to someone who has been hurt and heartbroken. The vocals sound like we are listening to an old tune through a transistor radio, giving me a sense of nostalgia and longing similar to old ballads like the Beatles’ original “Oh! Darling.” La Rosa Noir puts their unique spin on this timeless classic and it serves as a lovely homage to the beloved ballad.

Since first being introduced to this album, I have not stopped listening to it. I sincerely love “Arellano” and how uniquely La Rosa Noir is able to mesh and bend genres together, leaving no room for confinement to only one.