Tristeza's "A Colores" is a fantastic album to accompany making out or studying. But if the activity requires a little more energy, the Black Eyed Peas are a much better bet.
The San Diego-based quintet has done an admirable job filling the niche reserved for spacey, psychedelic, instrumental music. This album will never go platinum or put the band on TRL, but it will make some devoted fans extremely happy.
Tristeza formed in 1997 and has been making trippy, transcendental music ever since. Their label "Better Looking Records" is host to many other indie acts and has allowed them to experiment with sounds and instruments. Although their lineup has changed since their first gig, they have maintained their unique sound and dedicated following.
"A Colores" is an album that needs to go for a spin a few times before it can fully be appreciated. On the first listen, every song sounds like a continuation of the last one, with each track having a similar tempo and mood. After listening to the album a couple times, the tracks start to differentiate themselves.
"La Tierra Sutil" experiences several transitions throughout its melody. There are parts that are light and bright but as the song nears the end, it becomes much darker and cryptic-sounding. This song is reflective of the entire album's unified sound and wandering instrumental elements.
Tristeza, Spanish for sadness or sorrow, is a fitting name for this group. Their music isn't made to make people prance and skip. It's made to help people do their homework, get laid or trip on acid.
Ain't nothing wrong with that.
