LOS FABULOCOS FEATURING KID RAMOS "DOS" Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer Date: 02/2011 Writer: Nick Cristiano

Like the far-more- celebrated and longer- running Los Lobos, LosFabulocos are a Chicano band from East Los Angeles. If you prefer the earthy exuberance of the former's earlier work to its artier recent efforts, then you'll love LosFabulocos.

The quartet's self-titled 2008 debut was a joyous blast, and so is this sophomore effort, although it also represents a step forward, as it is heavier on original songs. Most are by singer-accordionist Jesus Cuevas. His clear tenor has an openhearted appeal recalling that of Los Lobos' David Hidalgo, on every- thing from the upbeat opener, "Everything Will Turn Out Alright," to the mournful "I Never Thought," a ballad that's as much bayou as barrio.

Also contributing topflight material are bassist James Barrios and truly fabulous guitarist Kid Ramos, the blues/roots-rock veteran whose fiery six-string work adds much of the rock-and- roll edge to a delicious, Latin-flavored stew already brimming with energy and soul.