Album review: El Cento’s self-titled disc

by Jessica Harp

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They are a nice breather from the hum-drum indie band.

DALLAS — Dallas trio El Cento proves that sometimes quirky, out-of-the-box music can be worth listening to. The band doesn’t pretend to have an indie/folk sound so popular in Dallas right now that tends to bring the mustachioed, plaid wearing, “I only ride my bike like everywhere” hipster out; they are the opposite. Their music is upbeat, fun, and yes – you will probably (gasp!) – dance.

Each and every song on El Cento’s 12-track self-titled debut record has an '80s inspired retro beat that you can’t help but tap your foot to. In fact, sometimes the rhythm can be so contagious that you might find yourself dancing in your seat, or even, when the music inspires you, on your feet.

With addictive hooks like “I will be your citizen/your Thomas and your Edison/your fever and your medicine” from the track “Citizen,” it is easy to catch on to the off-the-wall lyrics. As retro as El Centro’s sound can be with synthesizers and beats reminiscent of The Cars, they are a nice breather from the hum-drum indie band.

And how does the band manage to capture their unique sound? El Cento has a few very impressive names in the music business on their side: local producer Stuart Sikes and Boston mixer Jeff Lipton. You may recognize producer Sikes’ name from Dallas band Oil Boom’s debut record, which he produced. Sikes has also worked with the White Stripes and Modest Mouse. Lipton, who mastered the album at Peerless Mastering in Boston, has worked with Arcade Fire and Spoon.

With well-seasoned music pros like that, it is no surprise that El Cento’s sound on the record is nearly flawless. This is not your average local band that records an album in the garage: They went the extra mile.

El Cento’s album is available on most digital retailers, and on June 8 at Renfield’s Corner in Dallas, the band will celebrate the release of their CD, which will have a limited edition silkscreened package.