Pescado Original

Los Enanitos Verdes

A shocking, sublime sense of vitality is the initial hook of Pescado Original, the first studio disc in four years from Argentine rock trio Enanitos Verdes. (A live disc and DVD were issued in 2004.) It comes hard and fast with kick-off track "A Las Tres," the earnest story of an undocumented immigrant worker whose life hovers around a weekly call to his faraway lover. Even a casual listen to the disc's 14 tracks will reel you in, thanks to the effortless mix of full-bodied lyrics, memorable choruses and urgent instrumentation. It's all the more exhilarating, considering bandmates Marciano Cantero (vocals and bass), Felipe Staiti (guitar), and Daniel Piccolo (drums) have been making music since 1979. Beatles-esque harmonies crash against arena-rock riffs, which collide against haunting piano melodies and wiry arrangements. Surprises abound: "Houdini 2" is a simmering, streetwise groove featuring Yotuel of Cuban rap group Orishas and hip-hop legend Slick Rick. Even better is "Noche Cualquiera," a sweet, symphonic country love song, complete with steel guitar. Tempting bait, indeed. --Joey Guerra

Pescado Original Album: