The Krayolas

The Krayolas

Whatever's in the water fueling San Antonio bands these days sure is potent. A feeling, a sound, an attitude – all things the Krayolas flaunt. Previous effort Americano reflected the band's Latino roots, but the tonal palette of Tipsy Topsy Turvy is colorfully new, broader. Or not. After all, Hector Saldana and company are hardly neophytes. Their 1980s past builds a solid power-pop base from Chuck Berry ("Run Rudolph Run") and funky instrumentals ("Louie's Song [Where's Louie?]") to the title track and Dylan-esque "Genuine": "I ain't no Cantinflas, baby/I ain't no matador/I'm a genuine, Mexified, San Antonio rock & roll star." And "Mexified" is the right word here, the way Americano was, suggesting a Doug Sahm-like strength that not only crosses borders, but binds cultures, like in the wicked para-Spanish of "1070 (I'm Your Dirty Mexican)." The Krayolas are outlining a map for the new order of la musica de Tejas, and therefore rock & roll. Don't lose your way. (The Krayolas get TTT at Jovita's, Saturday, Aug. 6.)