Washington D.C. trio Borracho have some pretty killer shows coming up. First off, they’re headed to the West Coast this week to meet up with Castle for two gigs ahead of an appearance at a Strange Magic Records showcase alongside The Chuck Norris Experiment and others. Upon their return, they’ll hit up a few killer regional gigs, first with Carousel and Joy in their hometown next month and then on a weekender that includes two gigs in PA with Doctor Smoke and Wasted Theory and one night in Baltimore alongside Elder. They’ve got a date in there with Lo-Pan as well. There isn’t one of those shows that isn’t a score from the standpoint of anyone who makes it out to them.

By those March shows, Borracho will also have a new split 7″ out with Brooklyn’s Eggnogg on Palaver Records. You might recall their most recent release was a shared single with Boston’s Cortez that came out last year (review here). Looks like they’re set to give another quick look at some new material ahead of their next full-length outing, whenever that might arrive.

They sent this newsletter down the PR wire:

California Bound This Week!

We’re just a couple days away from our first west coast shows. Join us at one of the shows below, or if you’re not in Cali, forward this email to a friend or five who are!

Jan. 29 – Oakland, CA @ The Golden Bull w/ Castle & Heavy Action
Jan. 30 – Los Angeles, CA @ Five Star Bar w/ Castle & Behold! The Monolith & The Love Below
Jan. 31 – Pomona, CA @ Characters w/ The Chuck Norris Experiment, PRV13, and Chango’s Psychotic Garage PLUS Jake Starr

New 7″ Single Out in March

It’s been a little while since we dropped some new music on you. This one has been a little hung up, but we’re excited to announce a brand new split single with Eggnogg on Nashville’s Palaver Records. King’s Disease will appear with Eggnogg’s Slugworth, and we’ll be celebrating its release with a hometown show in DC on March 20 at The Pinch with the riotous Lo-Pan and Against the Grain.

More Shows!

Those of you on the east coast will have a bunch of chances to catch us with some other badass bands over the next couple of months. Check the schedule below. Hope to see you out there!

Feb. 19 – Washington, DC @ Velvet Lounge w/ Carousel, Joy & Caustic Casanova
March 20 – Washington, DC @ The Pinch w/ Lo-Pan & Against the Grain
March 26 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie w/ Doctor Smoke, Wasted Theory & Heavy Temple
March 27 – York, PA @ The Depot w/ Doctor Smoke & Wasted Theory
March 28 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery w/ Elder, Fortress & The Convocation

http://www.borrachomusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BorrachoDC
https://twitter.com/borracho_DC
http://instagram.com/borrachomusic
http://borracho.bandcamp.com/

Borracho/Cortez, Split 7″ (2014)

Earlier this year, Washington D.C.’s Borracho headed overseas for a run of shows based around appearances at Desertfest in London and Berlin, and it looks like they’ll kick off 2015 with some more traveling, this time heading to the West Coast for a California weekender. An awfully long way to go, but you have to figure at least the weather will be nicer.

Strange Magic Records, which released Borracho‘s 2013 sophomore outing, Oculus (review here), is hosting a showcase on Jan. 31 in Pomona, and if Borracho are traversing a distance to play it, Chuck Norris Experiment have them beat, coming all the way from Sweden. The other two shows, Borracho will play alongside Cali dark heavy rockers Castle in Oakland and Los Angeles.

Closer to home, Borracho share the stage tomorrow at the Metro Gallery in Baltimore with the impressive assemblage of Foghound, Volume IV, Sixty Watt Shaman and Weed is Weed. Not a festival so much as I know — though really all they’d have to do is slap the words “Riff Fest” on it and you’d have to agree — but a killer five-band bill nonetheless on a show worth noting for anyone who happens to be in the area. I don’t want to tell you your business or anything, but if I was in town, I’d go.

Poster for that and info on the West Coast gigs follow:

Borracho California Tour

That’s right folks. It was just a matter of time, and we’re super stoked to announce our very first west coast shows in January. We’ll be joining San Francisco’s Castle for a pair of shows in Oakland and Los Angeles, and cap off the trip in Pomona at the Strange Magic Records showcase along with Sweden’s Chuck Norris Experiment!

And for the DC/MD crowd, we’ll be closing out the year in our own neighborhood with a couple shows in DC and Baltimore:

December 6 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery w/Sixty Watt Shaman, Weed is Weed, Volume IV & Foghound
December 19 – Washington, DC @ The Pinch w/ Fortress & Foehammer
January 29 – Oakland, CA @ The Golden Bull w/ Castle & TBD
January 30 – Los Angeles, CA @ Five Star Bar w/ Castle & Behold! The Monolith
January 31 – Pomona, CA @ Characters w/ Chuck Norris Experiment, PRV13, and Chango’s Psychotic Garage

https://www.facebook.com/events/930785726944312/
http://www.borrachomusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BorrachoDC
http://borracho.bandcamp.com/
http://twitter.com/borracho_DC

Borracho, Oculus (2013)

It’s been a while since last we heard from Camp Borracho. The D.C. natives took their riffage overseas this spring — no doubt the airline charged them extra baggage because that riffage is so gosh darn heavy — and jammed out at Desertfest in London and elsewhere on a nine-date run, but it’s been relatively quiet since then. I had heard rumors of a split release coming up this summer, which would be their second of the year following a shared single with Boston’s Cortez in April, but that doesn’t seem to have come together as yet, though as they hint at new material in the works and upcoming recordings to be helmed by Frank “The Punisher” Marchand, it could well show up before the end of the year. I guess we’ll see.

They’ve also announced a couple of dates in Pennsylvania and Delaware with Kingsnake and Wasted Theory, which you’ll find in the below update off the PR wire:

In the Studio, More Announcements to Come!

We’re laying down some new tunes this month with our main man Frank Marchand at Hudson Street Sound in Annapolis MD. Look for announcements of some new releases coming soon. But rest assured, we have not been relaxing all summer. We’re getting ready to unleash some new Borracho music. Stay tuned!

We’re getting the old Borracho machine fired back up, and will be joining our good bros in Kingsnake and Wasted Theory for a pair of shows. Join us Friday September 26 at The Depot in York, PA, and Saturday September 27 at Oddity Bar in Wilmington, DE.

If you find yourself in D.C. this Friday afternoon, the good people at Port City Brewing Company have done us all a great service! In honor of DC Beer Week, Brewmaster Will Cook has hand-crafted another batch of frosty, nutty, Borracho Smokin Brown Ale and is making it available to the public! Come get yer pint of crisp, deeply-ambered SBA at Glen’s Garden Market, 2001 S St NW, this Friday from 6-10pm.

http://www.borrachomusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BorrachoDC
http://borracho.bandcamp.com/
https://twitter.com/borracho_DC
http://instagram.com/borrachomusic

Borracho & Cortez, Split (2014)

You gotta give it to Borracho for going all out with the vinyl version of their second album, Oculus (review here). Not only is it available in a limited LP edition of 300, but those 300 copies are available through three separate labels on three separate continents and in three separate colors. And hey, there are three dudes in the band! Do you think it could mean something? Whether intentional or not, the fact that the record is out in physical form after being such a digital delight throughout the second half of this year comes as good news for the band and their growing number of followers, who are that much less likely to have to worry about international shipping charges upon picking up a copy.

Borracho sent the announcement down the PR wire:

Oculus LP now available!

Capital City riffers Borracho today release their latest heavy slab Oculus on three gorgeous, limited edition colors of 12″ vinyl — 100 copies each on No Balls Records transparent yellow, AM Records purple, and Strange Magic Records blue/green. The collaboration between three labels on three continents extends the release’s availability onto the Asian continent, in addition to North America and Europe. Check out the LP trailer, shot and directed by Deuce to 7, featuring album closer “I’ve Come for it All.”

The record is now available from the band’s Bandcamp page, with an immediate download, and from each label in their respective territory.

The band will celebrate the launch of the vinyl edition of Oculus at Port City Brewing Company’s Heavy Metal Night V, December 14 at The Pinch in Washington DC. They’ve brewed up another super limited batch of Borracho Smokin’ Brown Ale, and DCHeavyMetal.com’s Metal Chris and Port City’s Will Cook will be spinning the best metal tunes of 2013.

For more information on the band, reviews, and music, visit their website at BorrachoMusic.com.

https://www.facebook.com/BorrachoDC/
http://borracho.bandcamp.com/

Borracho, Oculus Vinyl Trailer

Released digitally as a prelude to vinyl coming this fall on Strange Magic Records in the US and No Balls Records in Germany, Oculus is the second full-length album from Washington, D.C.-based heavy riffers Borracho. Strictly speaking, it’s the first new material they’ve presented since their 2011 debut, Splitting Sky (review here), though they’ve had numerous outings between to keep up the rather considerable momentum that album brought them, including the Circulos Concentricos 7″, A 10″ EP for the track “Plunge/Return,” which was left off the vinyl version of Splitting Sky, and earlier this year, a 7″ called Mob Gathering that included some of their earliest recordings, but more important, it’s the first release they’ve had as a trio since losing guitarist/vocalist Noah last year. Continuing on playing shows instrumentally at first, guitarist Steve Fisher gradually stepped into the vocal role, backed occasionally as Noah was by bassist Tim Martin, with Mario Trubiano holding down the band’s prime stonerly groove on drums. That’s not the only difference either. Where Splitting Sky reached close to an hour in length, as much as it continues to follow Borracho‘s rallying cry of “repetitive heavy grooves,” Oculus checks in at a vinyl-prime 35:49, over 21 minutes shorter, and is comprised of four extended tracks and the brief penultimate “Eye” noisy instrumental interlude leading the way to closer “I’ve Come for it All.” In no small part because of its length, Splitting Sky was a big time grower for me, but between the more concise feel of Oculus and the ease with which Fisher has made the transition to handling vocals in addition to guitar, the second outing makes an immediate positive impression. As regards the overall sound of it and the production, Borracho‘s methodology hasn’t much changed — strong hooks over heavy riffs — and the recording here sounds full and professional as did that of Splitting Sky, but with two years of growth, some touring and the experience of the first album behind them, Oculus wins out over its predecessor in every category but length — and in terms of letting each track make the most lasting individual impression, it wins out in that as well.

The album takes its title from the Latin word for eye, though in what context Borracho mean to use it — the phrase “eye of the storm” comes to mind first, particularly with the shifts they’ve undergone in the roughly two years since their first album — I don’t know. Opener “Empty” (7:30) starts out calmly enough, with Martin setting an intro pattern through the bassline that Trubiano soon punctuates, Fisher following shortly thereafter with ambient lead notes. There is a layer early into the track either of synth or far-back vocals that adds to the atmosphere, and soon, Borracho are underway with a build and a crash into thick, open-feeling riffing that serves as the central progression for most of the song, the band building, working around it, returning, playing off a riff worthy of the attention over the course of more than the first four minutes until two hits right around 4:40 bring in a faster, purely stoner figure that will carry them through the remainder. It’s almost as though “Empty” were two tracks, the one leading to the next, but ultimately it matters little, since what though it actually makes up most of the track turns out to be the intro is so easy to get lost in and since Fisher‘s vocals are so right on once the verse starts. With Martin‘s righteously thickened Fu Manchu groove behind, he follows the riff for the verse and switches to layered shouting in the chorus. Stylistically and on paper, it’s not so different from what Noah did on Splitting Sky, but Fisher‘s approach is less gravelly and seems natural in the context of the material. That proves no less the case as highlight “Know the Score” (7:18) starts up with a light Southern touch of acoustic guitar and unfolds to one of Oculus‘ several landmark riffs. Fisher is more immediately forward, and he, Trubiano and Martin are locked into the movement of the song from the start, but the turn to the chorus makes for a genuine demonstration both of their chemistry and of the strength in songcraft that has led to their finding such welcome reception in the heavy rock underground. It is organic, readily familiar, more complex than it sounds and more than ably delivered. Following a round of “yeah-yeah”s the second time through, a long-sustained organ note — a little out of nowhere but not at all interrupting the flow — eases the transition into the insistent next section, the line “I think you missed again” repeated as Borracho march past the midpoint en route to a raucous bridge that returns to the chorus riff. As they build up, Trubiano tosses in some double-kick to add to the rush, and when they turn back to the initial verse riff and follow with a final chorus, it’s a surprise and a bookend that once again shows their songwriting prowess. The end with a crash and a well-earned ringout.

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Washington D.C.-based purveyors of burl Borracho sent word earlier today that their awaited Plunge/Return 10″ on Strange Magic Records will be available starting November 27. The track, which was on the CD of their Splitting Sky debut, didn’t make the cut time-wise for the LP release, and not wanting to leave it out, the band is giving it a special look on this limited release.

On the flip side of the record is a live version of “Grab the Reins” that was streamed here way back in August. Here’s the latest:

“Plunge/Return” gets the vinyl treatment with limited edition 10″ release

Fans, collectors, and vinyl completists rejoice! Today Borracho announced that “Plunge/Return”, the epic closing track from their 2011 debut Splitting Sky, will finally see vinyl release on November 27 via Strange Magic Records. The track — previously unreleased on vinyl — will be available on this limited edition 10″ slab, after being excluded from the limited edition vinyl LP released by No Balls Records because of its length.

The B side is a previously unreleased live version of “Grab the Reins” recorded in December 2011 at the Velvet Lounge in Borracho’s hometown of Washington DC. Three color options will be available — clear, transparent blue, and solid white — all on high quality wax. Hand numbered gatefold sleeves seal the deal on this collector’s dream.

Splitting Sky, from which both songs on the 10″ come from, was met with praise both critical and organic. The album scored glowing reviews and high end-of-year rankings from Heavy Planet, The Sodashop, The Obelisk, The Ripple Effect, and The Sludgelord, among many others. Having the lone track that didn’t make the LP pressed to wax is sure to please fans and collectors, as it sure as hell pleases the band.

“We’ve been plotting to do this release for so long, and we’re really excited and proud to be able to get Plunge/Return onto vinyl. The amazing presentation is icing on the cake,” remarked vocalist/guitarist Noah Greenberg. And so, 13 months after Splitting Sky got the vinyl treatment, it’s crowning epic now gets the treatment as well. Preorder is now available via the band’s Bandcamp page or directly from Strange Magic Records.

Wax available early at shows!

TODAY
November 16, 2012
Mojo 13, Wilmington, DE
w/ Black Cowgirl, Wizard Eye, Behind The Ghost & Wasted Theory

December 8, 2012
Kung Fu Necktie
Philadelphia, PA
The Workhorse III w/ Kingsnake & Brain Candlew

January 28, 2013
DC9
Philadelphia, PA
w/ Bible of the Devil & Above the Silence

For more information on the band, reviews, and music, visit their website at borrachomusic.com.

“Grab the Reins” was a highlight of Washington D.C. heavy lifters Borracho‘s 2011 full-length debut, Splitting Sky. The album (review here) has continued to earn the band a reputation for thickened grooves and if this live version of the track proves anything it’s that the record was no fluke. Borracho will be heading out for a couple shows — in D.C., Philly and Boston — before appearing at day four of this year’s Stoner Hands of Doom fest in New London, CT, and to give a taste of their tourly wares, they’ve graciously granted me permission to host the song for streamy-type goodness.

And if you’ve got 11 minutes to dedicate to groove, I can think of few finer uses for that time than this one. The band, who also recently appeared on Ripple Effect’s digital anniversary compilation, will be using this recording of “Grab the Reins” on a Strange Magic Records 10″ as the B-side to the previously CD-only “Plunge/Return.” That’ll be out this fall, and until then, this is the only way to hear the song, so please enjoy the stream on the player below, followed by a press release with the tour info and more on Borracho‘s latest doings:

[mp3player width=470 height=120 config=fmp_jw_widget_config.xml playlist=borracho.xml]

Borracho to tour Northeast US, play Stoner Hands of Doom XII, and premiere track

Capital city stoner rock torch-bearers Borracho will end out the summer of 2012 on the road, kicking off a Labor Day weekend road trip in their hometown before visiting Philadelphia, Boston, and capping it off with an appearance at the Stoner Hands of Doom XII (SHoD) festival in New London, CT.

For the unconverted, Borracho’s 2011 debut Splitting Sky made a strong impression, hauling in gushing review after review, and boasting inclusion in ten end-of-year top album lists. Upon its release The Washington Post, gushed “Borracho has mastered the delivery of an infectious hook. ‘Splitting Sky’ is bursting with catchy riffs and skilled playing.” Heavy Planet proclaimed it “an instant classic,” The Ripple Effect dubbed it “an epic, earsplitting fuzz-fest,“ and The Sludgelord predicted “This album is going to be a classic of the genre. No question about it.” The band has since released a 7” single and video for album standout track “Concentric Circles,” and an enchanting video for “All in Play,” and plan a 10” single/EP release for late this year.

This will be the band’s second appearance at the SHoD festival, and the Tres Hombres tour will bring them to the city of brotherly love and New England for the first time. They’ll be joined in DC and Philly by One Inch Giant from Gothenburg Sweden, Philly and Boston by Black Thai from Boston, and Boston and SHoD by Fire Faithful from Richmond VA. Rest assured, every single stop will bring a kinetic display of fuzz and fury, matching geographically diverse bands who can crush skulls in their own unique ways. Don’t miss this show when it comes to your town.

Today The Obelisk premieres a previously unreleased live recording of the band’s epic solute to apathy, “Grab the Reins.” Visit The Obelisk now for the exclusive stream. Borracho also contributed a track to a new digital compilation, “The Ripple Effect Presents: Volume One – Head Music.” A previously unreleased live version of “All in Play” is available exclusively on the comp, and the entire collection is a free download. Both tracks were recorded in Washington, D.C. in December 2011 by Frank Marchand, who manned the faders for the recording of Splitting Sky. These live tracks offer fans who have not had an opportunity to see the band perform live a chance to hear how they bring it on stage. Don’t miss them when they hit a stage near you!

BORRACHO ON TOUR:

August 30, 2012 – 8:00 PM
DC9
Washington, D.C.
w/ One Inch Giant & Auroboros

August 31, 2012 – 8:00 PM
Gunners Run
Philadelphia, PA
w/ Black Thai & One Inch Giant

September 1, 2012 – 8:00 PM
O’Brien’s Pub
Allston, MA
w/ Black Thai & Fire Faithful

September 2, 2012 – 1:00 PM
Stoner Hands of Doom XII
El n’ Gee Club
New London, CT
w/ Iron Man, Black Pyramid, Elder, & more!

October 26, 2012 – 8:00 PM
Autumn Screams Doom Festival
Sidebar Tavern
Baltimore, MD
w/ Earthride, Elder, & more!

For more information on the band, reviews, and music, visit their website at www.borrachomusic.com.