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Staff IconLook Mexico - This Is Animal Music (Cover Artwork)

Look Mexico

This Is Animal Music (2007)
Lujo Records

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Contributed by: Anchors
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Published on July 10th 2007


"You can be light-hearted, but you can’t be funny / You can make a struggle, but you won’t make money / You can scream, but you can’t be loud / You might smile, but you can’t act proud," singer Matt Agrella playfully warns over the gorgeous and relaxed instrumentation of “Done and Done,” where Look Mexico sound as simultaneously relaxed and focused as one could possibly hope for.

If American Football had traded their somber musings for a more upbeat demeanor, Look Mexico would have had an older twin brother. The fact is, both exemplify everything good that can result from jazzy instrumentation and cohesive song structures. Look Mexico just chooses to do this with a grin from ear to ear.

But Midwestern emo comparisons aside, the band is able to succeed very well on its own merit. Whether whimsically rising and falling with slight vocal accompaniment, or playfully meandering along as “I Had I a Wrench, And I Hit Him,” and “Watch Out for This” respectively display, there’s an inherent level of comfort in vocals and instrumentation alike. The ebb and flow never ceases to provide tangible emotion, nor the perfect intonations for it to travel in on. Agrella reflects on his childhood through an uncommon observation, and the rhythm on which these words are told make them seem just that much more honest. "The heart of youth and growing needs, is an argument / This invention, the mighty wheel / How it has changed us all," he sings in “Me and My Dad Built Her,” and nobody, for even a second, can question how much he means it.

The instrumental side of the band is able to speak in equal volumes, as “Comin’ in Hot with a Side of Bacon” makes unquestionably clear. Four minutes may not seem like a very long time, but Look Mexico is able to pack so many great riffs and fluid transitions into that timespan that all that’s left to wonder, is why you hadn’t heard of them sooner.

The charming melodies established by the band’s four members hook you instantly, and when things get turned up a notch or two, they stay with a solid linear vision. Each song, instrumental or not, has a point A and a point B; the paths are always gorgeous, and you never have time to wonder where things are going. The present moment, well, it’s perfect enough.



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    Apeman_on_the_Moon (August 30, 2008)

    More bands should try to sound like American Football. Not saying these guys do, but I'm just saying.

    Infrarecon (July 10, 2007)

    I liked the EP alot, but haven't picked this up yet. Apparantley I"m really missing out.

    Anonymous (July 10, 2007)

    This record rules so hard

    Anonymous (July 10, 2007)

    This is the best band in america.

    Anonymous (July 10, 2007)

    sounds like colossal. not too bad

    Anchors (July 10, 2007)

    Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking with that twin statement. I proofread it a couple times, too.

    My bad!

    Anonymous (July 10, 2007)

    twins don't come out at the same time

    www.obstetrics.com

    RondoMondo (July 10, 2007)

    "Done and Done" might be the best song I've heard in a long time.

    Anonymous (July 10, 2007)

    Maybe I'm just being a jackass here, but....

    can you have an older twin brother? a little oxymoronic, eh?

    Anyway, look mexico's ths shit. whats up with florida bands rediscovering and reinterpreting things so much quicker and better than other bands can?

    Anonymous (July 10, 2007)

    This band is touring with fake problems and that's enough to make me not like them.

    sickboi (July 10, 2007)

    Derek Perry just filled the cup.

    jamespastepunk (July 10, 2007)

    I saw this band live with Fake Problems, and both bands were amazing. This CD probably rules.

    elephantdwarf (July 10, 2007)

    from the few parts ive listened to on their myspace, they also remind me of reuben's accomplice. that whole cute/cheesily cute thing but for some reason works thing is going on.

    brangelina (July 10, 2007)

    these are the best people ever.

    Anonymous (July 10, 2007)

    Saw this band live with Fake Problems. Great band, awesome dudes.

    Anonymous (July 10, 2007)

    amazing album.. just what i needed. cant stop listining to this especally song 4 i think is i had a wrench.. amazing really

    DarrenMcLeod (July 10, 2007)

    great review. great album.

    maverick (July 10, 2007)

    Brilliant record. This band has such a bright future ahead of them.

    -Scott

    onegirlarmy (July 10, 2007)

    I agree, definitely a great album. Look Mexico are really entertaining live as well.

    inagreendase (July 10, 2007)

    Seriously, how good is this album.

    Real good. Definitely a big step up from the EP.

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