Many times there are bands which you just have to wonder – why are they not more widely known? Often the case with many unique acts out there, one who falls into this category is Beasto Blanco.
A project begun all the way back in 2012, Beasto Blanco were initially put together by seasoned Bassist Chuck Garric along with Guitarist Chris ‘Brother’ Latham. Forged with a vision of creating raw, real Rock-n-Roll music, Garric’s history of performing with everyone from Dio (back in 1999-2000 for support of the Magica album) to Alice Cooper (where he has remained since 2003), combined with the guitar work of Brother Latham (an individual who grew up in a remote town in Alaska with a hunger for music), was a recipe for something fun. With this foundation, they went to work, and soon enlisted Alice Cooper’s daughter Calico Cooper to provide some backing vocals during the recording sessions of what was to be their 2013 debut, Live Fast Die Loud. Calico Cooper, a talented young lady in her own right who could both dance and act, ironically was apprehensive about singing at all with the band. Doubting herself, fortunately she found voice with this new creative outlet inside of Beasto Blanco, inspiring her full-time partnership as a co-vocalist with Garric.
A very interesting story, since those early days, Beasto Blanco has toured the world, released two more studio albums (2016’s self-titled and 2019’s We Are), and now look to embark on their next chapter with 2024’s KINETICA. What is to be the band’s fourth studio album, KINETICA, set for release on July 26th through COP International Records, could arguably be the band’s most ambitious recordings to date. Looking back, they have always delivered some really dirty, raw heavy Rock-n-Roll; just listen to their early recordings and you will immediately feel the animalistic approach. Something of an Alternative Metal sound, with gritty guitars and vocals, yet full of theatrical Shock Rock vibes, and even some Industrial touches, there is a lot to like.
Giving some insight as to what Beasto Blanco has done in the past, in case the band is relatively new to you, KINETICA is a bit of a new adventure in some ways. Full of many elements they have played within on past records, for whatever reason, this album just seems a bit more majestically dark and theatrical. Perfectly marrying the voices of both Garric and Cooper, each track is a bit different, thus creating a very dynamic listening experience.
Full of catchy melodies, memorable vocal hooks, and thick grooves, some of the most delightful standouts include the early singles like “Lowlands,” as well as “Run For Your Life,” but also others such as “Heavy Is the Head” with its gothic undertones, plus the irresistible “Unreal.” This is while others including “Bad Thoughts” kick in with some potent, heavy guitar riffs, as “Nobody” takes on a very synth-driven Metal style that you cannot ignore.
Overall, KINETICA is a very enjoyable, mixed collection of songs that show that Beasto Blanco are growing, experimenting, and striking gold along the way. Something for those who enjoy melody, well-arranged songs, and a little outside of what others might be doing right now, Cryptic Rock gives Beasto Blanco’s KINETICA 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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