Monte Negro

Don't tell Monte Negro that Rock en Español is dead.

On tracks like Give Me Love, Me Duele No Estar Junto A Ti and the would-be arena anthem Pena Colectiva, the band digs deep into the rock sound that Latin American groups like Caifanes and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs popularized nearly two decades ago.

Formed in 2003 by brothers Kinski Gallo Rodriguez (vocals) and Rodax Rodriguez, Monte Negro began as the "aggressive hard rock" outfit Madrepore. After guitarist Jason Li Shing and drummer Javier Lopez were brought in, the Los Angeles group expanded its horizons. Admitted fans of classic alternative bands like Jane's Addiction, The Cure and Smashing Pumpkins, Monte Negro add a twist: bilingual lyrics.

On much of the band's 2008 debut, Cicatrix, lead singer Kinski drifts between Spanish and English with ease. In recent months, Monte Negro has enjoyed the best of both worlds, opening for Gwen Stefani in Puerto Rico and sharing the stage with Zoé in the U.S. While the band's mature style may seem quaint at a time when groups like Radiohead are performing at the Grammys, frontman Kinski assures Monte Negro is not try to play it safe: "We hope that people either love us or hate us."

See: myspace.com/montenegrorocks