Chino “Mala Leche” MAG029 CD
 

Chino formed in late 1998 when Alex Soria hooked up with the members of Montreal band Grain Elevator Number 5. He began jamming with them, which lead to him writing new songs, and taking over on vocals. Alex had been hiatus since the Nils finally called it quits in 94’. He tried to make a come back a few times, but did not like the acoustic/solo circuit. When old Nils’ friend Eric Kearns, (member of Grain Elevator Number 5), approached Alex about joining the band, the rest is history. Chino released their 6 song CD on Mag Wheel in Nov. 1999. They have since gone on to play with such bands as Nada Surf, Mike Watt, Fearless Freep, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and more. They never really toured that much, but did a number of shows in Montreal/Toronto, and played in Quebec City, New York, Boston, and Ottawa.

On “Mala Leche” Montreal, Canada's Chino strengthens and refreshes the classic rock formula with the tasteful addition of mandolin and organ, two often-misused instruments that serve the perfect purpose here: they make the songs sound better. This is music from the AM dial, the songs you hear driving down a country highway at two in the morning after seeing a great show with your best friends. Despite the rock extravagance, there is an undercurrent of sadness beneath the ebullient music. "Misbehavin'" has the insistent beat and sharp hook of a great rock party song, but the lyrics betray a loneliness and disappointment that belie the cheerful music. "When You're Not Around" is a pogo-inducing anthem, all ripping guitar and harmonious chorus, although you get the impression that the singer might not get the girl after all of his grand professions.
Fans of straight ahead, no-nonsense rock and roll bands like The Replacements, Soul Asylum (back in the day), and Hüsker Dü will love Chino's smart songwriting and rambunctious melodies.

 
"Like the ‘Mats’, the shy-in-conversation genius Soria straddles all the great rock’n’roll genres, with plenty of punk and post-punk appetite, but also plenty of fiery garage and most of all, Mod stomp." Jack Rabid, Big Takeover.

 

 “Montreal’s Chino featuring ex-Nils frontman Alex Soria sounds like, well the Nils with a strong alignment to the Twin Tone/Minneapolis  sound.” Village Voice

 

“A pretty rockin’ CD here from Alex Soria and band. What you get is an EP’s worth of well written, melodic rock music in the vein of Husker Du, spiced up with a few keyboards and some mandolin. “Mala Leche” is a keeper.” Suburban Voice

 

Discography:

“Mala Leche” CD Mag Wheel 1999