Cordero

The smorgasbord of rock ‘n’ roll has included Hispanic/American culture clashes in the past: Santana, Los Lobos, War. Add to that list Brooklyn’s Cordero, a fab foursome featuring the bilingual songs of guitarist/singer Ani Cordero, a self-described “Georgia-Rican.” With guitar, trumpet, bass, and drums, the band unaffectedly blends minimalist, sinewy indie rock (á la Feelies, Fall, Pavement) with mariachi, rumba, and assorted Latin rhythms and motifs. Cordero has a compelling, dusky voice (recalling the young Chrissie Hynde), stirring and dignified in its understatement. The songs, meanwhile, are loaded with dramatically windswept, Calexico-esque Southwestern ambiance — a Sergio Leone/Roberto Rodriguez noir waiting to happen. Think there’s nothing new under the sun? Then seize Este Momento and be bowled over, pilgrim.