It’s all about rock’n’roll for brothers and musicians, Arturo and Antonio Tranquilino, the powerful duo that forms the band YOKOZUNA. Touring their latest album, Neil Young, and most recently performing an official showcase at SXSW in Austin, they’re in Chicago to rock the stage at Joe’s on Weed Street tonight, Sat. April 8. Presented by Rock Sin Anestesia, the evening features Kelroy, Terroir, Los Black Dogs and Resistol Cincomil along with artists Squeak Starzula and Mario Mena creating new pieces on stage. Tickets available here.
Although they’re currently touring their newest album, Neil Young, the Mexico City duo is already working on and almost done with their next recording. The concept for this album revolves around the experiences and personal evolution of the band during their 12-year journey together. Their message is a positive one based on hope, redemption and love.
The first single off the not-yet-released album is titled, “A pesar de todo” (Despite Everything) and they made a public call looking for people to share their stories of survival. They want to share those stories in order to inspire and give hope to others. (It’s a similar sentiment we felt when speaking with Mastodon recently and one we hope other musicians embark upon.)
More about YOKOZUNA
Influenced by sounds from progressive rock to grunge, Yokozuna made their way into the spotlight with their self-titled EP in 2007 and quickly followed that up with the first full-length album, by the same name.
Praise from critics began pouring in and in 2009, Yokozuna 2 was released (Discos Intolerancia) followed by the EP Ribete in 2011. We’ve heard comparisons to bands like Motorhead and Mastodon but this duo’s talent is not one that can be compared. Even though their sound might be reminiscent of similar genres, it’s quite unique and unbelievably powerful all on its own.
On their 2013 release, Quiero Venganza (Terricolas Imbeciles) the band explained to Sam J. Valdés López of Sloucher that, “It seemed for us that we have to find our ways to try to convince our compatriotas to throw away the remote control, and see outside, see what can be done. […] It is a call for justice, a call to action.”
Conscience about the message they’re sharing to audiences and fans across the world, Yokozuna is using their platform to express personal newfound knowledge, and as mentioned above, also providing a sense of hope and optimism, especially for those in need of encouragement. This will be highlighted on their new album.
Tickets for their show at Joe’s on Weed Street are available here.