Aterciopelados Celebrate the Album that Revolutionized Colombian Rock
In San Antonio, the legendary Colombian band Aterciopelados is set to pay tribute to their groundbreaking 1995 album “El Dorado”, an album that remains pivotal in the history of rock en español. Scheduled for Friday, April 12, this concert offers a nostalgic voyage through the album that catapulted Colombia to the forefront of Latin American rock music.
About El Dorado
Aterciopelados’ “El Dorado”, intricately interweaving cultural rhythms with rock elements, captured global attention. The album’s vintage yet whimsical melodies, typified by tracks like “Bolero Falaz”, challenged traditional conventions and propelled Aterciopelados into Latin Grammy fame. To date, “El Dorado” has reportedly sold more than 600,000 copies, marking a significant achievement in Latin rock history.
“I told you ‘No more’ and you didn’t give a shit”, the passionate cry in “Bolero Falaz”, encapsulates the album’s bold essence. The song’s electrified bolero, combined with a defiance and stylistic departure from other Latin rock bands,laid the groundwork for the unique identity of Aterciopelados.
“From the beginning, we wanted to be authentic, to be ourselves,” remarks Héctor Buitrago, Aterciopelados’ bassist. This authenticity, combined with their willingness to explore indigenous musical traditions, stands central to the longevity and impact of “El Dorado”.
The Tribute Concert
For this highly anticipated performance in San Antonio, Buitrago and Andrea Echeverri, the two founding members of Aterciopelados, will be joined by the lineup they’ve collaborated with for the past three years. The concert promises an immersive experience that navigates the epochs of Aterciopelados’ music journey. “We decided to visit our whole history, including things from [2018’s] Claroscura and [2021’s] Tropiplop” said vocalist Andrea Echeverri.
Audiences can expect a heartfelt rendition of “El Dorado” in its entirety, interlaced with popular hits from their subsequent albums. Echeverri promises a diverse repertoire, although one genre will notably be excluded. “I detest reggaetón with all my heart,” she asserts, offering some reassurance to fans of the band’s classic sound.
A Continuing Legacy
Since the release of their debut album, Aterciopelados’ daring fusions of musical styles have made indelible impressions on global audiences. The fledgling Colombian band that once rehearsed in a bar and recorded in a commercial jingles studio now stands among Latin America’s top rock groups.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the band has remained far from stagnant. Fresh off a March 15 release of “El Dorado En Vivo” (El Dorado Live), Aterciopelados are also producing a new album set to drop later this year.
Reflecting on the band’s evolution since “El Dorado”, Buitrago ponders on their unpredictable journey. “We were always daring in our fusions and mixes of styles” he says, hoping the band’s bold spirit will continue to resonate in their upcoming music.
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of music and nostalgia. Join Aterciopelados at the Paper Tiger, San Antonio, on Friday, April 12, for an exclusive tribute to “El Dorado”.
