Chicano Batman - Cycles Of Existential Rhyme

Marbled Magma Color Vinyl Reissue

Los Angeles-based band Chicano Batman source their high-spirited alternative Latin synthesis from Tropicália, West Coast psychedelia, and late-'60s/early-'70s soul, among other styles. Sounding both lively and laid-back, the group's dance-friendly grooves are matched to thoughtful lyrics that explore personal and political themes. 2017's Freedom Is Free was an engaging celebration of their fun and serious sides, while 2020's Invisible People revealed a greater musical sophistication and 2024's Notebook Fantasy added a retro-electronic sheen to their sound.

Eduardo Arenas (bass, vocals), Bardo Martinez (lead vocals, organ, guitar), and Gabriel Villa (drums, percussion) formed Chicano Batman in 2008, and made their recorded debut the following year with a self-released, self-titled album. After Carlos Arévalo (guitar) was added to the lineup, Chicano Batman issued the four-track Joven Navegante EP in 2012. A second full-length LP, Cycles of Existential Rhyme, was issued by the independent El Relleno Records imprint in 2014, and the band greatly expanded their fan base in 2015 with dates opening for Alabama Shakes and Jack White, as well as a performance at Coachella. In 2016, Chicano Batman signed to the ATO label, where they released Freedom Is Free, their third album, in early 2017. (ATO also reissued their self-titled debut in 2018, as well as a two-fer edition of Joven Navegante and Cycles of Existential Rhyme.)