Formed in 2009 in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico,
Voz de Mando scored their first hit with the single "Comandos del M.P. (500 Balazos)" off their debut album,
Con la Nueva Federacion, in 2010. The quartet relocated to Huntington Park in Los Angeles County, but hasn't changed its trademark ranchera norteña sound. That tuba, which is typical of Sinaloan music, is right up front, keeping the band a step ahead, whether the bandmembers are singing narco corridos, ballads, or polkas.
Y Ahora Resulta, the band's true sophomore studio effort, continues the formula, though the production standards have been upped considerably, evidenced by the smooth, silvery textures of the title track and first single. Check the gorgeous, slippery polka meets ranchera in "El Señor de los Cielos" and the hilarious sequel, "Hummer y el Camaro 2 'La Revancha'." Even in the darker moments -- such as on "El Mayor," which commences with the spoken words (in English) "I hereby sentence you to two years in federal prison" --
Voz de Mando keep the good-time grooves that seamlessly wed accordion, acoustic guitar, tuba, and impressive vocals. There is no sophomore slump here;
Y Ahora Resulta is, in fact, a stronger album than its predecessor. ~ Thom Jurek