"On My Way" by De Sol

"On My Way"

saZon Records/2007

www.desolmusic.com

As the first generation American born to Latin immigrant parents Albion Monterrosa was immersed in the Latin culture at home. As an adult when Albion decided to form a band he turned away from his Latin roots striving to create his own "American" style. But after jamming with a Puerto Rican drummer while in the Caribbean Albion realized his true musical calling and it included his Latin roots. Thus the basis for de Sol (Spanish for of the sun) was born.

Comprised of mostly band members of Latin heritage de Sol infuses their rock music with Latin rhythms and sounds.

Since their first gig in 2001de Sol has played the Bonnaroo Festival, Lollapalooza Festival, and on Austin City Limits; and has opened for artists like REM, the legendary Wailers, Widespread Panic, and fellow Latin rockers Los Lonely Boys. While the Garza brothers of Los Lonely Boys are Mexican Americans from Texas, de Sol is from the greater New York City area. And in 2006 de Sol spent time in the Middle East entertaining the troops; it was what the band called a life changing experience.

Their latest album "On My Way" is the second release for the band. After a grueling tour schedule band members took refuge at a house in New Jersey writing and the 14 track album "On My Way" is the result. Albion and the boys show that they can rock with the best of them on the album, but they also show a softer side to their music. Raised speaking Spanish Albion has no problem displaying his feelings and emotions on the few Spanish tracks of the album.

Oddly enough for someone who tried to ignore his heritage to display his idea of an American band; it is on the Spanish songs that Albion and the band shine the most.

The second album by Latin rockers de Sol "On My Way" is appropriately named. Adding the Latin sound to rock gives the music a whole new feel anddo Sol are certainly on the way to success.