In a city where you become yesterday’s news faster than you can say paranguatirimicuaro, a local alternative indie rock band has proven that true talent can outlast any L.A. trend.
With their fusion of traditional folklore rhythms and electric beats of classic and modern rock, Curanderos have bestowed upon their fans melodies influenced by rock bands such as U2, The Cure, Pixies, Radiohead, Led Zeppelin, The Killers, The Bravery, Soda Estereo, Enanitos Verdes, Jaguares…and the list goes on.
Curanderos was formed 8 years ago with Mario Lomar on rhythm and vocals, brother Rick Lomar on bass, Larrhy Ruiz on lead guitar, and Diego Palacios on drums. Although the release of “Evolucion Show” in 2004 gave the band the kind of exposure that many musicians long for, bass player, Rick Lomar, decided to part ways from Curanderos to pursue other musical projects. His replacement, Jesus A. Rauda, came into Curanderos adding a touch of vintage jazz to the already eclectic band.
“Dolores” | video from: UnixStudios
Their first self-titled EP released in 1998 sold over 3,000 copies in the L.A. area alone. “Antes Que Duerma” was released in 1999 and “Radar” in 2002. It was with the release of “Evolucion Show” that Curanderos was placed among the best of the best bands in the L.A. rock scene. Mundorockero.com recognized Curanderos with the “Best Independent Album 2003: Evolucion Show”, “Best Independent Song 2003: Dolores”, and “Best Independent Band 2003”. Their release of “Radar” also received the recognition of “Best Album” according to Rockero3000.com and SpanishRockLA.com in 2002.
Their musical abilities led them from playing in hole-in-the-wall venues to major stages alongside some of rocks biggest artists such as Mana, Jaguares, Aterciopelados, Ely Guerra, La Ley, Babasonicos, Mikel Erentxun, La Lupita, and Victimas Del Dr. Cerebro, to name a few.
Curanderos is currently finalizing last touches on their soon to be released self titled CD that is scheduled for late 2007/early 2008. With collaboration from Leo Muñoz and “Vampiro” from Jaguares, the long awaited release is expected to hurl the band to mainstream stardom. “Tonight” from the coming album has already received over 11,859 plays on the Curanderos myspace page and has received rave reviews in Mexico.
“The Cu” as their fans like to call them, is a veteran band that sets the stakes high for upcoming L.A. bands. Having their videos played on some of Latin alternative’s most watched television programs such as LATV, MTV español, mun2 and in stations all throughout central and South America, the band has showed only a glimpse as to what local L.A. talent is capable of achieving.
