Peter Landi is a multi-instrumentalist hailing from the East End of Long Island, New York. Currently living in Canada, he has called Toronto home for the better part of a decade. From the start, he’s had a singular drive: make great music. From his formative years in hometown basements, to gigging on the Lower East Side, to now touring the globe with a myriad of artists, he does just that.

Shortly after moving to Toronto, Landi joined forces with Canadian punks, Single Mothers, and has since become an in-demand touring and studio drummer for artists like Julianna Riolino, Espanola, Eamon McGrath, The Drew Thomson Foundation, and many more. Like his peers, Landi was uncertain about his future during March of 2020. Canceled tours gave him time to comb through his demos, sparking a new phase in his songwriting. The result was a collection of singles that were lyrically personal in a new sonic landscape. His first single, “High,” was featured in this year’s critically acclaimed IFC Canadian slasher film, In A Violent Nature. 

The latest offering from that collection, “Somewhere,” is about the unknown. It was a very unstable time for both Landi and his partner – and for the entire world – when he wrote this song. Displaced from regular life, staying with their families and at times living in separate countries. The couple didn’t know what was going to happen that day, let alone later that month or year, but as long as they were able to be together, it was okay. They would go on long daily walks with no place in mind, so their daily adventures and the greater journey of what they were going through is what inspired Landi.

I had been writing and recording “Somewhere” on my own before I started working with (co-producer/recording/mixing engineer) Tyler Semrick-Palmateer. I thought the song was finished, so I played it for him and he said “This is great, but I think we should send it through my console to warm it up a bit.” It sounded way better, so we ended up doing some more work to it, essentially revamping my polished demo. We re-tracked the vocals at Tyler’s studio, the drums at my studio, and kept all of the guitars I had recorded and the bass part that Ross Miller had sent over. Tyler comes from a heavier musical background, which made my Oasis-inspired song sound like ‘Down on the Upside’ era Soundgarden. – Peter Landi

Los Hermanos Alacranes’ debut album Uno is a captivating exploration of cultural fusion, blending the deep roots of traditional Latin music with the electrifying energy of American rock. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, the band’s inaugural release is a powerful statement of their distinctive sound, infused with passion, authenticity, and rhythms designed to move both the body and the soul. With a masterful mix of Spanish and English lyrics, Uno invites listeners into a world where storytelling and musicality intertwine seamlessly, creating a unique experience that bridges cultural and linguistic divides.

The album kicks off with the raucous “Burn Me,” a high-energy track that sets the tone for the entire record. From the first notes, the song grabs you with its infectious rhythm, razor-sharp guitar riffs, and Paulo Franco’s intense, raw vocals. As the band’s first single, “Burn Me” perfectly encapsulates the essence of Los Hermanos Alacranes: bold, dynamic, and emotionally resonant, offering a glimpse into the band’s ability to channel powerful emotions through their distinctive sound.

One of the album’s standout tracks, “Doblado,” showcases the band’s ability to blend melancholy and resilience in equal measure. The hauntingly beautiful melody, combined with Franco’s bilingual lyricism, gives the song a profound depth, resonating with audiences across cultural lines. Tracks like “El Anhelo” and “El Rey” explore more traditional sounds, skillfully merging classic Latin influences with modern instrumentation. In “El Rey,” the band reinvents a beloved classic, seamlessly weaving together the nostalgic spirit of its roots with the bold energy of contemporary rock.

Uno’s strength lies in the band’s versatility, evident in the way they shift between genres and moods. “I Don’t Want to Let You Go” brings a softer, more reflective tone to the album, while “Just a Desperado” dips into the tradition of storytelling, with Franco’s evocative vocal delivery painting vivid images of longing, love, and self-discovery. Ríos de Vino brings a lush, heartfelt sound, while “Catrina y Su Calavera” takes the listener into more seductive, mysterious territory, showcasing the band’s ability to evoke both joy and intrigue.

Among the many gems on Uno, “La Estrella de Piedra” stands out as a hauntingly atmospheric piece, rich in poetic imagery and layered instrumentation. The song exemplifies Los Hermanos Alacranes’ knack for experimentation with sound, while still remaining true to their distinctive style. The track’s evocative mood showcases band’s ability to create music that is both emotionally stirring and sonically innovative.

Behind every track on Uno is a band deeply connected to the vibrant music scene of Richmond. Recorded at Paul Pearce’s home studio, affectionately known as The Shed, the album reflects a spirit of collaboration and creative experimentation. Pearce’s skillful guitar work, drummer Rob Lytle’s dynamic rhythms, and bassist Chad Bennett’s steady grooves form the bedrock of each track. Franco’s powerful and passionate vocals bind it all together, infusing every song with an intensity that’s impossible to ignore.

The band’s eclectic influences are apparent throughout Uno, ranging from traditional ranchera and cumbia to rockabilly and American classic rock. These varied musical elements, blended with the band’s own vision, create a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Furthermore, the group’s love for cinema—particularly the works of Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez—is evident in their cinematic approach to songwriting, where each song is more than just a piece of music, but a vivid, cinematic experience.

As Uno unfolds, it becomes clear that Los Hermanos Alacranes are not merely a Latin fusion rock band, but a collective of musical storytellers. Each track on the album carries a distinct narrative, weaving together themes of love, loss, resilience, and joy. The bilingual nature of the album adds depth, inviting listeners from all walks of life to connect with the music in their own personal way.

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant rhythms of ranchera, the spirited beats of cumbia, or the electrifying energy of rock, Uno offers something for everyone. The energy and heart poured into every song make this debut a truly unforgettable listening experience. With Uno, Los Hermanos Alacranes have not only crafted an album that demands to be heard—they’ve created a musical journey that demands to be danced to, a nod to their place in the musical landscape and their potential to leave a lasting imprint on the world.

Buy “Uno” here: https://www.shockoerecords.com/store/p/uno-by-los-hermanos-alacranes