Paté de Fuá: Artist You Should Know

For the first time in its 13-year run, I will be making the trek out to New York City to attend LAMC. In preparation for such a momentous occasion, I have been diligently looking over all the groups participating and narrowing down my personal list of “Must See” bands.

At the very top of my list are Mexican Francophiles, Paté de Fuá.

As their name indicates, their sound is tasty. It’s a delicacy of traditional French Mussette carefully seasoned with elements of Jazz, Pasodoble, Tango & Dixieland. All these classic genres mixed together create a nostalgic blend of music that is eerie and melancholy as any Beirut record.

Stream: “El Fantasma Enamorado”

The “Orquestra” as they are referred to, is lead by Argentinian expat, Yayo González. Who despite being characterized as an “incessant talker” by bandmates, composes songs that explore themes of love, betrayal and jealousy with very few lyrics, often adding only a verse and chorus of his raspy, somber voice.

What the predominantly instrumental tracks lack in vocals, they make up for with ornate arrangements on vibraphone, bandoneón, and accordions that achieve a campy tone akin to great incidental music scores of Vic Mizzy.

Paté de fuá have sold over 60,000 copies of their first two albums and have recently released an equally impressive live album. They are one of the most unique bands to emerge in the Mexican Independent music scene and I will be sure to not miss their only US performance at LAMC this week.

— Jose Galvan