They're the download of the week on Latino iTunes. They're all over the radio and making playlists of years all over country. They're new band to me: Los Abandoned. You may have heard their single "Stalk U" over and over on KROQ and Indie 103.1 and like me, was dubious at first to say the least. It sounded like it could be the Suicide Girls' debut album. The chorus is too repetitive; too neo-Green Day. But after the sixth or seventh air play the lyrics become perfectly profound and outrageously catchy as the listener follows a girl's obsession with an art student who "looks like a Charlie" and creates Drew Barrymore installations. The rest of the album pays tribute to the band's bilingual background proving more Spanglish enhanced melodies in songs like "Van Nuys (es very nice)" the story of a young punk going to the Valley. "Me Quieren en Chile" had some airplay last year on KCRW's world music hour. A pop-punk song completely in Spanish that never loses a contemporary nor interpersonal edge. Lady P on lead vocals has been around the LA music scene for quite some years but her youthful energy backed by Casios and electric guitars sounds super fresh even to this gringas ears.

Los Abandoned opens for Colombian band Aterciopelados tonight at The Fonda. Discounted tickets available through Goldenvoice. Use Password GOLDEN.

Labels: music, reviews