black:guayaba

Machete Music, home of reggaetón heavyweights Don Omar, Wisin y Yandel and Hector "El Father," is ready to rock. black:guayaba, the only roqueros on the label, are making the music scene in Puerto Rico a bit more "jevi."

Founded in 2000, black:guayaba (Black Guava) is comprised of Gustavo González (Vocals), Javier Morales (Guitar), Carlos R. Colón (Keyboards), Carlos "Toro" Ortíz (Bass) and Gabriel Calero (Drums). Although they describe their sound as "classic American rock in Spanish," their songs are unmistakably pop: loud and clear vocals, polite guitar solos and laid-back rhythms. Bassist Toro and drummer Gabriel readily admit Maná "changed their lives."

In 2006, black:guayaba released its debut, Lo Demás Es Plástico (The Rest Is Plastic), on indie label Ole. The tender power ballad Lejos and the syrupy Despacio quickly climbed the Puerto Rican rock charts, helping the band earn nominations for a Grammy (Best Latin Alternative Album) and a Latin Grammy (Best Rock Group or Duo) within the year.

After signing with Machete, black:guayaba began working on its second album, No Hay Espacio, enlisting the help of fellow Boricua Robi "Draco" Rosa. Draco, a former Menudo star best known for writing "Livin' La Vida Loca" for Ricky Martin, recorded some of the band's new material in his Los Angeles studio. Released last month, No Hay's lead single, Ayer, is essential black:guayaba: sweet melodies, heart-wrenching lyrics and stadium-sized rawk.