I imagine the appeal to Americans listening to Quebec's famed rescuers of francophone indie-rock Malajube has something to do with the fact that they sing in French and even if you ?took? French in high school you probably miss 80% of the lyrics anyway. I assume that for Americans listening to Mexico?s chart-topping 'giant' Panda, the appeal is similar. However, for Mexicans and people all over South America, Panda's unconventional lyrical style is the one thing that sets them apart. Long known for mocking love and all it represents, their album artwork is a four-page spread with drawings of people crying or worried, sad or distressed. I might call it the definitive moment in angsty Emo music. Ironically though, as with the entire emo genre, thousands of people find solace in Panda?s unquestionable ability to vocalize and authenticate what their fans are feeling and thinking about a cruel world. Bands like this should be winning the kinds of awards they receive. José Madero's vocals are largely akin to Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace with a polished yet grainy quality. The album begins with the thundering "La Estrategia Perdida", featuring catchy lead guitar lines and pounding rhythms. Each song on Amantes Sunt Amentes builds with power-rock vigor, as you can feel an arena full of people jumping and yelling the words. Jorge Vázquez's kick drum provides a relatively consistent tempo to headbang along to throughout the entirely of album as well. Overall, not a bad international purchase, if you understand spoken Spanish.

By Jeremy Young
Jul 4, 2007