MEZKLAH: Spider Monkey

Mezklah

Spider Monkey

© 2005 BMI (634479086892)

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Tribal electronica, latin, rock en espanol, rock

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notes

Mezklah embodies L.A.'s evolutionary and revolutionary musical and artistic expression. In popular Latin publication Al Borde, Executive Editor Jesus Olvera wrote "Mezklah is one the reasons why we can keep believing in Los Angeles as the place that germinates genius every once in a while." For the past four years, this "Tribal Electronica" duo has performed in established venues as well as cultural and community centers in Los Angeles and Mexico.

The name Mezklah is derived from the Spanish word "mezcla", which means "a mix." Their music combines funk, reggae, trip hop, and Afro-Cuban rhythms with drum n' bass beats. Angel Garcia (singer, songwriter, and visual artist) brings forth a passionate and powerful vocal presence, which is as diverse as Mezklah's rhythmic styles. Guitarist Greg Hernandez, who has been a part of Mezklah since its conception, delivers a raw and melodic sound as well as a passionate performance.

Angel and Greg's friendship and musical collaboration began in 1997 with "Circa," a project initiated shortly after they met through a mutual friend and inspired by the alternative rock sound popular at the time. Angel had a collection of guitar-driven songs which he performed solo at open mics in and around Hollywood. He was heavily influenced by the alternative rock scene, including bands like Jane's Addiction, Radiohead, and Love and Rockets, which had a big impact on his vocal and guitar style. Shortly after Angel and Greg met, they knew there was a sense of chemistry and magic in the project and within three months, the now best friends had put together a short set best suited for L.A.'s open mic circuit.

By 1999, the "alternative rock bug" had run its course. And now, Angel not only wanted to change the sound and name of the project, but also diversify his lyrics by singing in Spanish. It was something he had never tried before, but was so eager to accomplish.


As a Chicano with deep roots in the state of Michoacan, Mexico, whose father had made the journey to the U.S. in 1969 as a migrant worker struggling to raise a large family, Angel had only to flex his lyrical tongue to express and reveal a world which had never left him.

Greg also felt it was time to break the constraints of what they had become accustomed to musically. Born in Southern California and of mixed German and Mexican descent, Greg's influences are many; from the laid back easy grooves of R&B, to the early Reggae roots, to "Garage Land Punk Rock' of the U.K., to the mix of p-funk, as well as the late 1970's performance art style of "New York Punk Rock." And although it took some time to break the old habits, they persisted, and to this day continue on their exotic musical journey.

A major source of inspiration for both Angel and Greg came from three Dj's who were also good friends. D.J. Praise One, Late, and Sheak One. They introduced Mezklah to an exciting new style of music coming out of the U.K. This was the beginning of a new way of making music. After buying a sampler and a couple of drum machines, Angel and Greg went to work combining all of the influences past and present while discovering the realm of World Music through KPFK, a local radio station in L.A.

In 1999, while searching out other members who were interested in creating a new sound, Angel ran into producer and engineer Eric Alatan. Born and raised in London, England with roots in Nigeria, Eric moved and settled in L.A. in 1990. Back in London, Eric became a promoter in the underground rave scene where Techno, Jungle, and Drum n' Bass took over and became his musical inspiration. When they met, Eric lived in a section of L.A. known as Silverlake where he ran a home studio. After listening to Angel play one of his songs in the living room of a mutual friend, Eric agreed to record the material Angel and Greg were working on. Now all of the elements had finally come together to create a new sound.

Mezklah's first full-length CD is scheduled for a 2005 release. All of the tracks were recorded at BFS studios in Los Angeles, California, by producer and engineer Eric Alatan. All songs were produced by Eric Alatan and co-produced by Angel Garcia. All songs written by Angel Garcia and co-written by Eric Alatan.

reviews

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  • Beautiful music, y'all! Come get some.
    author: DJ Ceiba

    I am a big fan or our latin hybrid sounds. I'm feeling the mestizaje of the world's popular music. MEZKLAH is just that and then some as they are blending a lot & touching on their own styles. The reggae/D&B and light guitar songs are my favorites. Check CHANGO ARANYA!!!! I bought this disk within 10 minutes of hearing that song. Some of the rock I could do without (I'M NOT HATING ON ROCK MUSIC, I GREW UP ON BAD BRAINS) but again, I feel the blend. I can't wait to hear how MEZKLAH's sound progresses over time. When is the follow up to Spider Monkey coming out? When are you all playing in NYC?

  • really good album and live performance.
    author: ruby holguin

    really good album. there live performance was the shit!!

  • bad ass
    author: Edgar

    i bought this album back when it was just 8 trax at an art gallery called rock rose in highland park in 2003 or 02. they blew me away after that one performance and always leave their audiences in a trance.....truly underground original shit! they lyrics the beats the vocals the guitar the melodies.... ive always wondered how they would sound and feel with a live band though....maybe one day for a big mass trance mystical spectacle... now i just got to get a hold of those 2 new trax! and ones ive heard them play on kpfk

  • couldnt be better
    author: mario a

    one of the best tribal music i've heard.

  • chingones
    author: joaquin murrieta

    this is good shit! the tones and beats were a bit redundant, but the lyrics and vocal tones kicked ass! good guitar work...can't wait to play with you guys! likhy2

  • Mezklah has a raw and unique style that combines all the sounds that move you
    author: Sara R.

    SpiderMonkey is full of totally fresh and exciting music by the Los Angeles-based bilingual duo of Angel Garcia (singer/songwriter) and Greg Hernandez (guitar). Mezklah has a raw and unique style that combines all the sounds that make you want to move – drum and bass, reggae, salsa, jungle, funk and more. There is a psychedelic thread sewn with Hernandez’s guitar playing and Garcia’s voice goes easily from a growling primal roar to hissing and panting then a gentle falsetto – keeping you on your toes throughout the entire album. Mezklah’s danceable style and hard rocking beats make their socially conscious lyrics about self-empowerment and struggle all the more potent and affecting. This album moves you in many ways. I highly recommend it.

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