In his debut album Parque, singer-songwriter Gabacho, with the most charming and unpresumptuous vibe, delivers a lavish collection of engaging stories presented in a selection of sweet songs. Dressed in dreamy themes of love, universal connection, and peace of mind, the music flows smoothly and psychedelically with pop sensibilities, immersed in lo-fi, rock, and surfy elements. The 11 tracks on Parque range from surf pop to cumbia and retro beach-side rhythms, with all sorts of feel-good sounds in between.
Parque evokes wistfulness, summertime by the sea, and the butterflies of a first crush.
Beyond the talent for songwriting, the story ideas Gabacho and his team put together for the videos and visuals for each song are astounding.
For example, for the song “When We Go” the video’s love story reflects folklore from Acapulco. The single’s art cover features two beings, one a human, the other a half-dolphin/half-earthling wearing shorts and a captain’s hat. It’s wacky and absolutely perfect.
Plus, it features the lovely vocals of Mariana Montenegro. Dreamy.
In the song, “Los Feels,” a collaboration with Mexican artist Dromedarios Mágicos, the video is set in an auditorium full of young children. Gabacho and Dromedarios Mágicos attempt to entertain the young audience with a myriad of dances with random DIY costumes and background changes. It’s whimsical and charming, reminiscent of ‘the feel’ of films like Amelie or anything by Wes Anderson.
For the sassy cumbia song “Sal de Mar” Gabacho enlists a group of women to help him create a Richard Simmons-style dance and exercise combo. The video is beyond cute and it’s great to see the communities from the locations where he records. This video was set in Axochiapan, Morelos, Mexico. We love that they kept the video going at the end as they all sit around, chatting and eating conchas.
Parque is available on all media platforms including Bandcamp.
More About Gabacho
Gabacho is a Chicago-based, surf-rock project fronted by songwriter Siul Reynoso. Having spent his childhood in both Mexico and the United States, he’d often be referred to as “Gabacho” by his peers, which translates to “Foreigner” in English. His music is a testament to his journey through identity, belonging, and multiculturality, blending traditional Mexican elements (like Ranchera and Cumbia) as well as west coast American lo-fi surf pop.
Upcoming Gabacho performances:
Caloncho and Gabacho at Distro Music Hall in Berwyn on 4/21.
Mole De Mayo Street Festival in Pilsen on 5/28
