By Squiggly Meyers
Artist Review: Hacienda
Hacienda out of San Antonio, TX, has a unique sound which consists of pulsating rhythms and old-school guitar work reminiscent of late 70’s/early 80’s rock, all done by one man. With a blending of Latin Progressive Rock and old-school Gospel, Hacienda brings a fresh yet familiar tone to the soundscape. Hacienda is the brainchild of one, Audin Vasquez (Multi-Instrumentalist). Born and raised in the Southside of Chicago, his blend of Latin Gospel and Prog Rock will have your foot tapping and your soul enlightened. Drawing from childhood influences such as The Doobie Brothers, Genesis, and Galactic Cowboys with some Petra, Resurrection Band, and Marcos Witt mixed in to complete this Rockin’ Stew. Hacienda brings its A-game to the party, so turn it up music lovers and rock your soul out to Hacienda!
Read Rock the Alphabet’s Interview with Hacienda here!
Song Review: Hacienda – Liberame
Liberame has a post-apocalyptic feel to it, with an ambient surreal intro. Reminiscent of Disturbed’s take on the Sounds of Silence. It pulls you into a storyline of desperation. Lyrically, it weaves a tapestry of a man on the edge, having been betrayed and left for dead. In his despair, he cries out to the heavens and pleads with God for liberation. God then reaches down and lifts him up to his feet and continues at his side throughout the journey. The epic statement mid song, “Men fail me, but the Son of God saves.” Summarizes the song in one sentence. Overall, this song hits home on all fronts, as it expresses a sentiment we all can relate to.
Song review: Hacienda – Recuerdos
Recuerdos is a sentimental song that brings to mind those loved ones that have left this existence for the next. Musically, it ranks up there with those power ballads of the 80’s. Lyrically, it’s a cross between Poison‘s “Something to Believe In” and SKID ROW‘s “I Remember You”. Reminiscing on that patriarch of the family whose advice and example are cherished deeply. The song then ends with an explosive lead guitar that carries the message of gratitude to the heavens. I know we all have that one person in our lives whom we wish we could talk to one more time and this is your song.
