Diamond-cool concert to christen your year, this double-barrel bill glistens proof positive of Austin’s burgeoning Latin scene: roots, rock, reggae(ton). Caramelo Haze boasts supergroup intensity in only its third live performance since electro-pandemic pulse NOESTÁSAQUÍ, producer Beto Martinez of Grupo Fantasma and Nemegata necromancer Víctor-Andrés Cruz heating the core of this quartet. Cumbia rockeros El Combo Oscuro, meanwhile, open with valley-legit riffs. “Weird to write a whole project out of artistic necessity during the worst of [COVID],” texts Cruz. “Then figure out how to play this beast live! Haha. We have prepared a WHOLE lot to make it happen.”
—73703
— Raoul Hernandez
