Before Miguel Mateos became a household name in Argentinian Rock, the band ZAS was formed and became one of the frontiers of the Rock En Español or the branded tagline: Rock En Tu Idioma (Rock In Your Language). Their self-titled album was released in 1982 and should we say the rest is history?
When I review a band for the first time, I always like to give a little history of the artist to help give a background. Maybe this is for you, but it is also for me to learn about the music and the artists. I was an early fan of Miguel Mateos, just as he was stepping away from his band. I loved the rock en Español sound of the late ’80s. I wanted to review Mateos’ early music so why not start at the beginning?
Miguel Mateos was the lead singer of the band, ZAS, along with Fernando Lupano (bass), Ricardo Pegnotti (guitar), and Alejandro Mateos (drums). The band opened for the British rock band, Queen, when they came to Argentina to play. This recognition gained the attention of music producers and they were signed with Sazam Records. It was after the band received such high praise for the album, that the band’s producer stated they should change the name to Miguel Mateos/ZAS.
This album is not as produced as well as later albums; it is still very green as far as the music I fell in love with. While it is still Mateos’ work, it feels so very different from what is to come. I have a hard time connecting. The one song that perked up my ears as I listened was the song, “Qué Esperás Que No Lo Hacés” (What do you expect that you don’t). Maybe it was because I didn’t expect to hear a song like this. Its the beginning of music I like from him. It has a bit of pop to the rock sound.
Another good track is “Un Poco Más Cerca Está el Amor” (A Little Closer Is Love). Another track that infuses pop, new wave, and electronic. The song feels ahead of its time.
Mateos and ZAS are still a little wet behind the ears but it’s overall not bad. I can’t wait to continue diving into their music so we can get to the music I know and love.
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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