Tremoloco

Tremoloco is a group from the United States, with origins in East Los Angeles and close ties to Los Lobos. The band plays a form of Tex-Mexican Americana that draws on honky-tonk, Tex-Mex, rock and roll, blues, and related dance styles including two-step, zydeco stomp, and slow drag. Its sound features accordion, electric guitar, and Spanish- and English-language songs.

Style and repertoire

The group’s material moves between humorous narrative songs, instrumental pieces, and barroom dance music. One song, “Mi Novela,” is about a macho husband who cannot get enough of Latin television soap operas. Another, “Tremoloco,” is an instrumental track. The band’s music is presented as rooted in Gulf Coast and border-country traditions, with references to artists and styles including Freddy Fender, Los Lobos, Ruben Ramos, Clifton Chenier, Los Skarnales, and Bill Black’s Combo.

Line-up and recording

The band’s debut album is Dulcinea. The release features Gregory Boaz, Cougar Estrada, Rick Shea, and Tony Zamora. Estrada is identified as a drummer associated with Los Lobos, Shea as a guitarist from the Dave Alvin circle, and Zamora as providing earthy lyrics and vocals.