Dante Spinetta and Emmanuel Horvilleur, who make up Illya Kuryaki Y Los Valderramas return with a new album. This new album, L.H.O.N. or La Humanidad O Nosotros, embraces the group’s previous sound with a more mainstream flair. This change should make them more accessible to fans that like Alt-rock and pop genres.
When the duo formed in 1991 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, they focused more on rap music with synthesized sounds and catchy melodies. This niche marketed them into an underground fan base. The group’s success was sufficient enough to record two more albums before grabbing recognition from Rolling Stone and MTV. Once the world began to notice the band, the guys expanded more into the different influences such as African beats and funk. Their sound evolved and by the end of the decade, they had a Grammy nod.
I think there comes a time when band members think they are good enough on their own. In 2001, the band split up. Dante focused on Hip-Hop, while Emmanuel tested the waters in pop-rock. Each had its own successes, but nothing compared to that with IKV.
L.H.O.N. Illya Kuryaki & The Valderramas is fun and funky with a little rap
Ten years later, the band reunited and has remained together for a while now. This is their second studio album since returning. This collaboration combines funk, pop, as well as rap to create a work consisting of fourteen tracks. The album is refreshing compared to their previous works, but it is not that different to create a wedge between long-time fans.
Fans of the alt-rock singer, Natalia Lafourcade are in for a treat as she is featured in the song, “Ey Dios.” The song is a ballad that embraces Natalia’s style of music. It is sweet and feels romantic. This song allows a break in the upbeat funky jams given by Dante and Emmanuel. Another slow track is “Deciembre” which falls toward the end of them the album.
The album as a whole is fun and funky with a little rap. You can tell that the duo enjoyed making the record. A little of that sense of humor characterizes Illya Kuryaki and The Valderramas.
Since that day, I have been study Latin pop and rock music and have become a Latin pop music historian through the publishing of articles, fanzine, and websites. My goal is to teach people about Latin pop music and the history behind it with my website, Siempre En Domingo.
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