Los Angeles-based band Chicano Batman today released new singles “Dark Star” and “Pastel Sunrise” via ATO Records. The tracks are the first new music from the quartet since their Invisible People album arrived on May 1, 2020.
Chicano Batman tapped John Hill (Portugal. The Man, Santigold, M.I.A.) to produce both tracks and the band recorded the singles at his studio. A video for “Dark Star” directed by Anders Ericsson premiered on The Fader.
Frontman Bardo Martinez shared the following regarding “Dark Star”:
“The band met up and immediately we started riffing on ideas, [bassist] Eduardo [Arenas] and I were talking about J Dilla, the bassline came, the usual chords popped up, melodies and song construction became the focal point once the groove was established. [Drummer] Gabo [Villa] laid down that steady 16note high hat magic with that classic yet always wonderfully crafted beat. [Keyboardist] Carlos [Arévalo] was busy on the wurli crafting a vibe that eventually became the bed for the chorus. The track came together super organically, while John whipped up the nasty sounds.
“The hardness of the track lended itself to a more ominous meaning. The lyrics are multidimensional, in America there are so many layers of trauma that we all have to deal with that seep into our everyday behavior and attitudes towards each other. Genocide and slavery is embedded within the dna of American culture and the social strife gripping America today exemplifies this. ‘Dark Star’ is about an honest feeling that seeks to break the status quo, tear down the physical and mental walls that hold us back from simply being ourselves.”
Tonight, NoCap broadcasts Chicano Batman’s first performance of 2021 which was recorded at The Roxy Theatre in the band’s hometown of Los Angeles. The livestream special airs at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Chicano Batman will embark on a 22-date fall tour on October 20.
Watch the “Dark Star” video and stream “Pastel Sunrise” below:
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Dark Star
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Pastel Sunrise
