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Hacienda

Shakedown

Released: June 19, 2012
Label: Collective Sounds/Alive Records
Reviewed by: Austin Tucker

Family affairs in music have been pretty popular over the decades and now there is another to join the ranks of the elite in that group. They are brothers Abraham, Jaime, Rene Villanueva and cousin Dante Schwebel of San Antonio, Texas; united to form Hacienda. Let it be known though, they are not new to this game. This is their 3rd album with Dan Auerbach at the helm mentoring this pop group that reaches for the musical stylings of The Kinks, Beach Boys, and the Beatles. For those listening to drive around with mellow melodies, first single “Savages” and “Natural Life” will surely astound, but prepare to floor it to songs with adrenaline pumping vintage pop songs “Let Me Go” and “Don’t Keep Me Waiting.” With an infectious live show that also echoes greatness, it goes without saying why they have been opening for acts internationally including The Black Keys, Dr. Dog, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, and My Morning Jacket. Side effects of this album may include toe-tappin’, head-noddin’, and hip-shakin’. Enjoy!