QUINTERO fusing awesome with radical.

It is hard to pinpoint the exact inspiration behind Quintero’s dynamic sound on their album ‘Model C’ but whatever the technical label, this band has created a sound that is unique and out of the proverbial box; exactly what the doctor prescribed for Philadelphia’s often predictable music scene. The initial track “Walk In The Woods” showcases Quintero’s multifaceted sound with Bevin Caulfield’s elongated vocals that soar above the melody, and creative effects with a haunting quality you are not likely to forget. The band’s collaborators hail from backgrounds in the United States, England, Canada and Columbia and it is the variation of heritage that helps give this band’s sound a rich, culturally diverse feel.

Quintero describes themselves as a “trip-hop downtempo quartet” but it is not quite that simple to make a classification in this case. While they may have mastered the downtempo/electronic genre, I believe that there is much more to their music. In the track “Come Closer,” the band pairs their mellow vibe with a female rap solo, blending the yin and the yang, the delicate and strong. There is such a variety on this album it is not only difficult to classify this band in a specific genre, I am not sure that I even want to. After a thorough listen, one can find traces of dub, hip hop, folk and the track “20 Years” has definite roots in jazz, reminiscent of Etta James herself. I am not sure it is doing the band’s sound justice to try and stuff them in a genre, their music speaks for itself.

There is something refreshing about the freshness of the band; something so different it leaves you wanting more. I wasn’t expecting exactly what Quintero had to offer when I initially listened to the album, but the band packs a powerful punch of subtly in their underrated interpretation of music. I was pleasantly surprised with their fusion of sounds, innovation and juxtaposition of different genres, that makes me want to follow Quintero on their pioneering expedition into uncharted musical territories.

quinteromusic.com

About Jenn Kelly

Jenn Kelly is an aspiring poet aspirating on a small time town, surviving on the music scene. She is currently in a passionate love affair with vintage Chuck Taylors and classic rock.