Look Mexico [Official Site, Myspace] were basically skewered by our own James Mitchell a little over a year ago for getting by on potential. He was tired of the insufferably long titles and, as he puts it “regardless of whether or not the southern musings of sluggish pop-punk are to be found on better records, it would be impossible to say Look Mexico are not viable contenders in the midst of their contemporaries. “I Like Being a Millionaire. You Will Too, Believe Me,” the album’s closing track, is reminiscent of Sunny Day Real Estate’s earliest incarnation. If the song is any indication of the band’s direction (minus the insufferable title), then the potential is certainly promising.”

So what has changed for this Florida act? First, they injected new blood into the fray, then, well, they decided to kick a little more ass.

Check out some mp3s and tourdates “after the jump”

“You’re Not Afraid of the Dark, Are You?” [mp3]

Sometimes the hardest thing in the world is to put words to music. I’m not talking about lyrics, I’m talking about journalism. With some artists, categorization comes easy. With a band as unique as Look Mexico, it’s no walk in the park.

Unique? Check. Heart? Check. But want to know the craziest part? Look Mexico has talent, too, and their latest offering, Gasp, Asp, is proof of this.

The Floridian quartet has undergone some physical changes since they released the markedly mature debut full-length, This Is Animal Music in 2007. Line-up additions include Ryan Smith on bass and Dave Pinkham on keyboards. Both contributed to the new EP as did old bassist, Tyson Kuhloff. You might imagine that the presence of two new players would be evident in the music–and you’d be right. For those already familiar with the band’s sound, lets just say the EP begins with a violin intro. And you thought Look Mexico was good before.

And they haven’t. While Look Mexico has undoubtedly sharpened their songwriting skills, tightened the instrumental interplay and broadened their experimental horizons since This Is Animal Music, Gasp, Asp, still embodies that indescribable vim and vigor that only youthful ambition and enthusiasm can spark.

Sure Gasp, Asp is a serious piece of sonic art. It’s unavoidable when you’re as good at the music making thing as Look Mexico. Still, songs remain lively and rollicking, delivering the animated, eclectic punch that only this band could give. They’ll always be the carefree boys we’ve grown to know and love, and as they continue to push their musical progression with their feet planted firmly on the ground, there’s no artistic height they won’t reach.

Matt Agrella (vocals, guitar), Ryan Smith (bass), Josh Mikel (drums), Ryan Slate (guitars), and Dave Pinkham (keys) are Look Mexico. Gasp, Asp was produced by Phil Martin (One Small Step for Landmines) and Look Mexico, and was engineered and mixed by Phil Martin with additional engineering by August Hansen. Gasp, Asp was mastered by T.J. Lipple (Aloha) at Inner Ear Studio in Washington, DC. Gasp, Asp will be released digitally worldwide from Lujo Records on September 2, 2008 to coincide with a national tour. 7-inch single (featuring 3 of the 4 songs) will be released the end of September 2008 by Tiny Engines.

Tour Dates

09/26 Cincinnati, OH @ Midpoint Music Festival Lujo Records Showcase
09/27 Dayton, OH @ The Oregon Express
09/28 Louisville, KY @ Skull Alley w/Winter Sounds
10/03 Greenville, SC @ ONE Festival
10/16 Auburndale, FL @ Bloodhound Bash
10/17 Ashville, NC @ The New French Bar w/The Dark Romantics
10/18 Charlotte, NC @ Lunchbox Records w/The Dark Romantics
10/26 Virginia Beach, VA @ The Jewish Mother
10/28 Columbia, SC @ The New Brookland Tavern w/Fake Problems
10/29 Nashville, TN @ Springwater w/Winter Sounds
10/31 Gainesville, FL @ The Fest 7

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