Hacienda
Big Red & Barbacoa

Campus Correspondent Review By Andy Argyrakis,
Campus Correspondents coordinator

Tex-Mex was taken to a new level when Hacienda stepped on the scene with its debut disc Loud Is the Night and it didn’t hurt that The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach was behind the boards for the battle between unforgettable harmonies and monstrous groove sessions. Nonetheless, that pattern continues with even more noticeable refinement in the chemistry between the band and its behind the scenes partner on Big Red & Barbacoa (Alive), which is just as spicy as it sounds.

Part modern blues, another half garage rock and basically a kitchen sink’s worth of rhythmic variety help give the long player an unpredictable slant, but there’s still an curious cohesion that ties the tunes together. Highlights include the gravely howler “Who’s Heart Are You Breaking,” the 70s-flavored wall of sound “I Keep Waiting” and The Band influenced jam “Mama’s Cookin’,” all of which find the foursome more satisfying than the first round.