Emerging from Southeast Los Angeles, The Altons have become a key fixture in the vibrant West Coast souldies scene. As pioneering members of Daptone Records' Penrose imprint, they quickly progressed from captivating local nightclubs to lighting up stages at major festivals such as Austin City Limits, Montreal Jazz Festival and Corona Capital, selling thousands of records along the way.
Central to The Altons' sound is the deeply harmonious interplay between the vocals of Adriana Flores and Bryan Ponce, which imbues their music with an intimate and sincere quality. Supported by the solid rhythm foundation laid by Caitlin Moss on drums and Chris “Bolillo” Manjarrez on bass, the band has crafted a sound that resonates with both nostalgia and freshness. Their musical journey is highlighted by the song “When You Go (That’s When You’ll Know),” which was sampled by Mary J. Blige on her Grammy-nominated album Good Morning Gorgeous, underscoring the broad appeal and versatility of their music.
Their upcoming debut album, Heartache in Room 14, produced by Daptone Records’ renowned Bosco Mann, signifies a pivotal evolution in their artistry. Describing the new creative process, Ponce notes, "This whole album was a new experience for us, from the way we approach songwriting to how we recorded the music." Flores adds, "Working at Penrose with Gabe was a turning point for us. Our songwriting process was meticulously broken down and rebuilt, focusing intensely on lyrics, melody, and arrangement."
The album’s opener, “Waiting,” showcases this lyrical vulnerability, telling a poignant story of longing and love against a backdrop of haunting organ and creeping rhythm. With tracks like “Del cielo te cuido” and “Perdóname,” the band explores their cultural roots, blending the heartfelt homage to traditional boleros with modern, moody instrumentals. "Your Light" furthers this trend, presenting a dreamy, earnest declaration of love marked by heavenly unison verses and a compelling call and response chorus.
Scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2025, with an extensive worldwide tour planned, Heartache in Room 14 is set to propel The Altons and their distinctive brand of soul music to new heights, captivating audiences across the globe with their unique sound and profound musical storytelling.
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