Las Rubias del Norte were the very first group to ever play barbès, back in 2002, so they will be celebrating their anniversary at the same time. Their sound was already vintage then, so we can safely say that it hasn't aged more.
The Rubias' sound is a re-invention, a nostalgic throwback to a time and place mostly imagined where Peruvian waltzes, Andean huaynos and Cuban Guajiras mix with French opera, Cowboy tunes and Bollywood classics. The result plays like a dreamy soundtrack with classical harmonies set to a Latin beat. All three of their albums are available on
Barbès Records, including
Ziguala, their attempt at reimagining what a pop record would sound like had the global Latin influence - which was so prevalent until the early 60's - continued its course without interruption. Expect forays into Bollywood, Sicilian songs, Kurt Weill and Yéyé.
Featuring
Allyssa Lamb - vocals & keyboards;
Emily Hurst - vocals;
Taylor Bregren-Chrisman - bass;
Olivier Conan - cuatro;
Greg Stare - percussion;
Giancarlo Vulcano - guitar.