The Krayolas

Like all great power pop acts, San Antonio, TX's the Krayolas have survived on cult status alone. After releasing just two full-lengths within their first decade of existence, the "Tex-Mex Beatles" returned after a 21-year layover to record their terrific third LP, 2008's La Conquistadora. Tormenta (the Krayolas' seventh album, and fifth in six years) is a sometimes focused, sometimes muddled collection of new recordings, recently recorded singles and previously released material. The inclusion of politically charged anthems referencing the Mexican drug war ("Corrido Twelve Heads in a Bag") and Arizona Senate Bill 1070 ("I'm Your Dirty Mexican") give the album a relevant feel, while their bilingual cover of the Ramones' "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" is a gem. However, at 21 tracks, hardcore fans have already digested much of the best material, while new fans could have done without the filler tracks that round out Tormenta.