Los Esplifs - "Perro Rabioso"

Today, Tuscon-based art-psych duo Los Esplifs are sharing their latest single, “Perro Rabioso,” and a trippy video to go along with it. Though the two Arizonans are just starting out with this project, they can already count John Dyer of Oh Sees amongst their fan base, which is quite the accomplishment this early in the game. Impressing someone of that stature isn’t a mistake, as the band’s sound is vibrant and impossible to pigeonhole. Through their music, they blend various aspects of their Mexican culture with a boundary-less interpretation of psych, cumbia, and punk. It’s adventurous music unlike anything you’ve ever heard before and can definitely feel a little surreal at times. One second, a crunchy, face-melting riff is infiltrating your ears, but then a rhythmic organ kicks in along with a delicious cumbia-inspired groove. You may have to do a double-take at first to make sure your Spotify isn’t set to shuffle, but once you settle in for the ride that is “Perro Rabioso,” you’ll undoubtedly fall for their hybrid style. It’s refreshing, and clearly represents a genuine desire to meld several parts of their musical identities.

The band shared the following via e-mail about the origins of the track:

It was 2019 and we were at this Bar in Phoenix where we would always hang, typical pre-pandemic week night. In the Patio we are intrigued by a Dog that was brought in. Everyone around it was petting, holding, and even kissing its mouth, we began to imagine all the horrible things that this dog could’ve been doing before being adored. In between laughs we came to the realization that we were a lot like this dog.

The fun accompanying video follows Mexican punk rockers Los Diabolicous as they venture around their hometown of Hermosillo in search of a Sonoran Hotdog, which I’m told is a desert delicacy. It kinda reminds me of the fun video for “I Left My Wallet In El Segundo” by hip-hop legends A Tribe Called Quest, as it captures a similar desert adventure vibe. Oh, and a throwback Phoenix Coyotes jersey makes a cameo, which I can definitely appreciate as a hockey fan.

Watch the video below!

You can also listen to the track on your streaming platform of choice, including Spotify. “Perro Rabioso” will appear on the band’s forthcoming debut full-length, ESTRAIK BACK, which is set for release on April 20th. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.

Photo by Will Kubley