Los Difuntos

Mixing psychobilly, surf and Rancid-branded punk, Los Difuntos unleash their self-titled debut album. It's admirable that the East L.A. quartet have made a concerted effort not sound like their contemporaries, drawing from bands such as the Clash and the Stray Cats but they play it too safe, tending to stick close to the aforementioned bands and their Rancid influence, especially on "Lucy," with Matt Freeman lending his talents. But it's hard not to find enjoyable tracks. The two instrumental songs ("Rise of the Deceased" and "Dirge") include great Theremin melodies and "Born, Raised, Passed Away" is a surf/ska track that ends the album on a high note, as lead singer Christian Torres divulges about life in his hometown.