Roberto Carlos Lange, who performs under the name Helado Negro, seems intent on catching pop music up with the United States’ cultural evolution. He sings in English and Spanish, often veering into the political, and his sample-driven tunes bear influence from the balada, boleros and Caribbean dance music he heard from his Ecuador-born parents.
Don’t mistake this for the audio wallpaper played over the sound system at your local World Market store, though. While accessible, Helado Negro’s work still lands on the avant-garde side of the pop spectrum with enough sputtery synths and lysergic echoes to keep things sonically adventurous. Helado Negro’s sixth and latest album, This Is How You Smile, has also pulled in rave reviews for both its powerful music and powerful messages.
$13-$15, Tue May 14, 8pm, Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com.
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This article appears in May 8-21, 2019.
