With the exception of Gainesville, nothing good ever comes out of Florida. Or so I thought until I had the distinct pleasure of witnessing Look Mexico. Astonishing, entrancing, downright entertaining: all proper verbs to describe their performance. The next day I couldn't remember what they sounded like due to circumstances I needn't get into, but I remembered I hadn't felt such unabashed delight since going to Warped Tour when I was sixteen. It became my prerogative to hear this band again if only to remember what brought me such glee.
A quick look at the cover of This is Animal Music shows a rabbit and bear playing stringed instruments while a fox attempts to dance with a boy, maybe an attempt to get to him to smile, if only a little bit. This is a perfect metaphor for Look Mexico; they're not trying to win you over, they just want you smile, if only a little bit.
The first band that comes to mind when trying to describe their likeness is American Football. The guitars are technical, but soft and warm. The rhythm section is jazzy but not merely a backbone to keep the song moving. The horns are
the horns? Yes, the horns are tasteful, meaning not like what you'd hear from a ska band. What really makes this album is how each instrument works together, sometimes in unison, but often signaling one of the other players who isn't showing off but exemplifying their contribution to the song. The vocals are gentle, sincere without being over emotive. They provide an extra melody when appropriate. Large portions of this album are instrumental without sounding faintly uneven. At times when the music isn't enough to stand on its own, but singing would be overbearing samples from talk are used creating an ambiance. Even when played as background music it's impossible not to have an experience when listening to This is Animal Music. Think about how music works in film and television to heighten the overall mood, now imagine that surreal sensation when doing everyday activities like driving in to your parent's house or walking to the grocery store. This album makes life more beautiful.
Look Mexico is four gentlemen who know what they're doing without any pretensions. Vocalist Matt Agrella admits in the opening lines of "Done and Done:"
You can be lighthearted, but you can't be funny. You can make a struggle, but you won't make money. You can scream, but you can't be loud. You might smile, but you can't act proud.
They want to make you feel comfortable enough to dance like a fool, to giggle and laugh, and to enjoy yourself. They just want to have fun, and wish the same for you, if only a little bit.
