The Last Bandoleros are already back with a new record less than six months after the release of their sophomore record from earlier this year. It’s called Tex Flex Folklórico, and it just hit streaming platforms today! I sat down with Jerry, Diego, and Emilio over Zoom again to catch up on what’s new. We talked about how Tex Flex Folklórico came about, the creative process behind it, and what’s coming up next for them!
Tex Flex Folklórico functions as a companion and prequel record to Tex Flex, released earlier this year. Almost entirely in Spanish, the focus of Folklórico is on the more traditional aspect of the band’s roots. Inspired by and recorded primarily on the road, the record feels like a reintroduction of sorts to the band, like a prequel film telling their story. Having existed as a band for about 8 years now, it’s so exciting as a long-time fan to have this release now, as the band has grown and changed so drastically since their conception, and get this more in-depth look at their roots.
For those who’ve been listening to Tex Flex nonstop since its release in June, Tex Flex Folklórico could not possibly open in a more fun and almost jarring (but in a positive way!) fashion with “Vamos a Bailar,” an all-Spanish version of the opening track of Tex Flex, “Every Time We Dance.” The brand-new Bandos energy from Tex Flex is still present, yet the listener is immediately aware that this record is something different than Tex Flex. The now-Spanish lyrics to the already familiar track welcome in the more traditional roots focus while still keeping the energy high – a perfect introduction.
TLB have done nothing but surprise me this year, and their inclusion of the Los Lobos track “Cancion de Mariachi” from the movie Desperado was no exception. Something TLB have always excelled at is making cover songs their own, and I feel very strongly that if you didn’t know this track was a cover, you wouldn’t be able to tell. The most rhythmic track on the record, it’s a fun listen, and one that will absolutely be (and already has been!) a big hit with live crowds.
Slowing things down, and probably my favorite track on the record, is “Sin Ti.” Arguably the most beautiful harmonies on the entire record, they’re tight, crisp, and confident. A light, floaty sort of track, this is one I very much hope to hear live soon, as TLB not only excel at studio sounds, but they’re a phenomenal live band, and I can only imagine how beautiful these harmonies will be filling up a room in person.
Keeping it light, “Siempre Mi Anamorare” is a Spanish version of “Fall in Love Again” from Tex Flex. From English to Spanish, the tight harmonies remain intact and the song is as beautiful as ever. This track stood out to me on Tex Flex – it’s such a sweet love song. Even to an exclusively English speaker like me, the overall theme of love is evident in the sonics and the delivery of Diego Navaira’s vocals. It transcends language, which you’ll find upon listening to this entire record is a deep-seeded theme.
Perhaps the most in-tune with the “traditional” theme of Folklórico from a sonic standpoint is “Malagueña,” a traditional Spanish instrumental. Something long-time Bandos fans have long known is how TLB are not only three phenomenal vocalists, they are also remarkable instrumentalists. As a long-time fan myself, it’s nice to see this as a focus of this record. With the traditional element as such a major theme, musicianship matters more than ever before, and they’ve checked every box. This is a brilliant piece of guitar work, and I find it to be a stand out of Folklórico.
Drifting more into the “Tex Flex” of it all, “Maldita” is back again, but in Spanish this time. Its placement in the middle of the record struck me; it functions as a reminder that tradition can give rise to new, wonderful sounds, and that should be welcomed and encouraged. It is the ultimate bridge between TLB’s traditional Spanish and modern hip hop/RnB influences; it is truly the thesis of the Tex Flex universe.
Also finding its way back again to this record is “Mi Amor,” an all-Spanish love song. It’s a perfect transition from the hip-hop-meets-traditional party back down into the classic bolero sound that has long characterized the band since the “I Don’t Want to Know” days. What makes “Mi Amor” stand out from the other Spanish language tracks from the original Tex Flex is how it was written originally in Spanish. While the tracks translated from English to Spanish have a beautiful flow (the Spanish language has a beautiful rhythm) and work well in both languages, “Mi Amor” stands on its own, exclusively in Spanish. It’s a gorgeous track, haunting and beautiful, something else TLB have always excelled at, and I’m glad it found its place on Folklórico.
Something special for long-time fans and the band alike is the inclusion of an Emilio Navaira cover, “Naciste Para Mi.” Bandoleros Diego and Emilio Navaira IV are the sons of late Tejano legend Emilio Navaira III, and their inclusion of this cover is a beautiful use of their talents in tribute to him. There couldn’t have been a better record to include this on. Even before reading a translation of the lyrics, the track itself and TLB’s rendition take such a sweet thematic control of sound that the “love song” message comes through. It too, like so many tracks on Folklórico, transcends language.
Fully solidifying the idea of Tex Flex Folklórico being a companion album to Tex Flex, we find “Sin Un Amor” back for another round. Its presence in their repertoire from the first time they played it live as an extended intro to “I Don’t Want to Know” to now has fully solidified it as a TLB staple, and one of the best examples of their vocal prowess as a trio. They truly excel at boleros, and it’s all due to their musicianship, brilliant and tight vocals, and their ability to function not as three individuals who are part of a band, but as one musical unit. “Sin Un Amor” will always be one of my favorites.
Like Tex Flex, Folklórico ends with a strikingly unexpected but quite pleasant cover, this time of The Beatles’ “And I Love Her.” TLB fans know how much of an influence The Beatles have long been on the band and their harmonic sound, and their Beatles covers online have always been a big hit. To finally have a studio version of a Beatles classic is such a treat, and the way they handled this cover made it worth the wait. Its placement on the album is brilliant, and it solidifies another theme that is deeply embedded in this record: each track further progresses a timeline of influence that has made TLB the band that they are, and The Beatles represent one of their most modern influences. What better way to wrap up this album of Bandoleros traditions?
With Tex Flex Folklórico, the plot thickens on this current Bandoleros era. Even I’m not really sure where they’re going, but wherever it may be, I think we’re going to continue to get a ton of good music for the ride. Hop on the train and crank Folklórico up to 11 – it’s gonna be a hell of a ride!