Freedom is Free
Chicano Batman
Recommended for:
Soul and funk fans
Fans of The Doors, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hendrix
People who enjoy a little latin spice in their music
Pros:
Dreamy guitar licks
Animated vocals
Well-structured and cohesive
Cons:
Not much diversity in sound
Freedom is Free is the third studio album from Los Angeles-based band, Chicano Batman. Over the course of the last 8 years, the band has developed from a Myspace page filled with home recordings by lead singer Bardo Martinez, into LA’s universal house band. Recently this past year in 2017, and in 2015, the band has gained momentum from its inclusion in the Coachella lineup.
Photos by FriedOxygen
It almost seems as if this band has a small chip on their shoulder. And like any self-motivated performer or athlete, they have channeled that energy into proving themselves as what they know themselves to be, gifted musicians. Forget the silly (but awesome) band name, forget the thought that Spanish lyrics can’t find mainstream popularity in America. With Freedom is Free, Chicano Batman has undoubtedly proven that they are maturing and progressing as musicians and songwriters. They have proven that they can blend classic and new styles of music, all in a neat, 12 song package.
This record has clear and concise structure, complete with impeccable timing and thoughtful instrumental design. The opener, “Passed You By” sets the melancholy tone of the album perfectly with a dreamy guitar intro and haunting backing vocals. The female backing vocals are a highlight of many catchy chorus melodies, reminding us of a similar tactic employed by The Arcs.
The groove is relentless throughout jams like “Friendship (Is A Small Boat In A Storm)”, “Angel Child”, and the title track, “Freedom is Free”. The bass lines are reminiscent of John Paul Jones, perhaps at half speed, along with a few sprinkles of soul and funk influence. The guitar riffs and leads bring to mind John Frusciante in his Chili Pepper days, as they create a glossy soundscape with lo-fi tones, fingerpicking and spiraling patterns. “Flecha Al Sol” and “Jealousy” are particularly good examples of these things.
A 60’s-esque, Doors-style, distorted organ playing effortlessly weaves throughout the album, paying homage to classic rock roots. Martinez’s vocal performance is his best to date. Throughout the album, he is dynamic and shows off his unique tone and rhythm. His best performance is on the penultimate track, “The Taker Story” which has an incredibly animated, almost slam-poetry style to it.
Conceptually, Freedom is Free is also the band’s most cohesive album. The themes revolve around human rights, standing up against oppression, and respecting nature. The music is chained to the emotions and ideals of Martinez and the rest of the band. Finally, the instrumental outro, “Area C” give us listeners a moment to contemplate these themes at the end of the album’s journey.
It’s safe to say Chicano Batman has proved themselves as a band that demands attention and deserves it. They make really cool, intriguing music that is fun and different, I recommend you check them out. Their recent singles, “This Land Is Your Land”, and “Black Lipstick” are also fantastic.
Favorite Songs: “Freedom Is Free”, “Run”, “The Taker Story”
8.1/10
