Recent reviews
May started off with a bang, as San Antonio roots-rock veterans The Krayolas fired off a shot heard ‘round the world (that is to say: Texas): ‘1070 (I’m Your Dirty Mexican),’ recorded in protest of Arizona’s recent passage of a hard-line immigration law. The song’s gloomy, slow-burning groove, augmented with Farfisa, fits the ominous, if sometimes perplexing lyrics . . . all the same, the song has some bracing lines, in particular the chorus.”
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"What makes 'Americano' so good is wrapped up in its bold vision . . . the Krayolas have grown up to continue the work of the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, tying together disparate communities with the invisible voice of song. Obviously, the Krayolas are quite a unique animal."
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"Some of the freshest music of the year."
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“‘Sometime’ is one of my all-time favorites, superb ‘60s-inspired pop. If you’re not familiar with these guys, I’m sure after you hear this, you’re going to want it.”
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"Another beautifully eclectic effort . . . the Sir Douglas Quintet-inspired 'Exit/Salida' (with Augie Meyers on organ); the Dylanesque 'Piso Diez'; a nod to Phil Spector on 'Wall of Accordion' (with guest Flaco Jimenez) and the sweetest song on the album, 'Frutería.'"
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“San Antonio's the Krayolas have been one of the American Pop Underground's best-kept secrets for more than three decades . . . the band has returned with a vengeance in the 21st century.”
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"Last year’s prophetic song, 'Corrido Twelve Heads in a Bag,' got the Krayolas national news attention as it addresses violence in Mexico and the US/Mexico border ... one of (NPR's) top albums of the year — along with Norah Jones, Willlie Nelson, Lady Gaga and Pearl Jam."
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"If the Austin spirit could be summarized by a single individual Sahm would have been it. His death left a gap that will never be completely filled, but his work is being carried on by his friends and relatives in the Texas Tornados . . . and by followers such as the terrific San Antonio band the Krayolas, who also played SXSW this year."
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"Three full-length albums since their triumphant comeback ... (now) they'll premiere their new album, 'Americano,' at SXSW."
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"'Exit/Salida' defines the San Antonio sound ... (but) what begins to separate 'Americano' from other Krayolas albums; their storytelling has grown. 'Home' is about a foreigner trying to make it in an American world."
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"The Krayolas drew national attention last year for their unique brand of completely uncategorizable music. Calling them a Tejano garage band doesn't really do the Krayolas justice."