The Lamp Post, located in downtown Fresno, is one of the smaller music venues in the area; seeing how full of energy it was on Saturday, one might have missed that, as it hosted a night of rock music en español. Going to a show bursting with Spanish lyrics put to sounds only made possible with latin-influenced music, greatly differs from going to a show without any of it.
Regardless of how the groups came together, where they come from, or how long ago their stories began, each group that performed had something to offer.
For Lezayr, it was a flawless combination of four individuals, each contributing their idea of the alternative latin rock sound that makes Lezayr. “No one has a specific sound. The way we combine with each other… Lezayr will sound totally different with other musicians,” said Alex Ayala, guitarist/vocalist for the group.
Ayala, who founded the group in the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, in Mexico began penning down songs at 17. Now in their mid to late twenties, all of the current members of the group have been rocking together for about three years, maintaining a close relationship and support of other local musicians throughout the Fresno area as well.
Lezayr – front man Ayala; guitarist, Jon Pritchard; drummer, Paul Harris; and bassist, Saul Aguilar – provides listeners with songs the can resonate with. Initially, Ayala drew his inspiration from experiences and different kinds of human emotions, creating songs that many may have gone through.
These days, their set list comprises of more complex and evolved versions of Ayala’s first songs, as well as new material; such as “Break the Chain,” which may be found on their upcoming album, “Listen to The Faces.” The album, they hope to release and tour to promote sometime in the summer.
They offer something that is different, and cannot be found in the market, especially by breaking the language barriers. They are accompanied by Basura, who with their unique ska, reggae, and punk influenced sound also had the Lamp Post audience riled up that evening.
Basura, who were one of the first groups of its kind on the scene, have many influences ranging from English 70s punk, and Spanish rock idols, such as El Tri, Maldita Vecindad, among many others. In addition to that, all of the members (Martin Montes on vocals/guitar; Federico Borjas on vocals/guitar; Jose Moran on bass; John Lancaster on trombone; Marcus Murrietta on trumpet; and Gerardo on drums) each come from different musical backgrounds as well.
By incorporating a trombone and a trumpet, Basura seamlessly create a truly original sound, accompanying it with songs about politics, religion, racism, and history pertaining to immigrants. “Nothing [we talk about] is invented, it’s not fantasy,” said songwriter, Montes.
“Martin shows us a picture and we try our best to color it in,” said Murrietta, a promoter who has been playing the trumpet for 16 years, and has been playing with Basura for about two years.
Montes – who dons several different Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) masks throughout a show – looks forward to finally beginning the recording process for their album this month. In the meantime, Basura are grateful they’ve been very well received throughout the central valley, encountering only positivity. They value exposing their music to audiences who may not have heard them before.
“After every show, if we have two more fans, tha
t’s great!” said bassist Moran, who also does a show on Radio Bilingue, every Monday night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Every musician who played The Lamp Post that night, agrees that what made it a good night was the audience – whom they all encourage to go up to them after shows, or even jump on stage with them if they know the songs – and simply being able to play with friends.
Lezayr’s next appearance will be at Fresno State’s Up ‘Til Dawn charity event on March 11.
Basura’s next appearance will be at the Babylon in the Tower District, on March 25.
