Whether it be their indigenous heritage, the questionable driving of their drummer that would go on to inform the band’s moniker, or their moreish indie/alternative rock soundscape, Side Montero are not a band to ignore.
New single “SandBox” is a band coming-of-age story, inspired by Side Montero’s first West Coast tour. The planning, the rejection, the new friends, and the new experiences that came along the way. It will be a familiar tale to many independent bands, grafting to find their feet in the industry.
Lead vocalist Aaron Lee says: “Over the course of tour, we met a lot of talented musicians and learned a lot about touring. The challenges along the way taught us so much, and we wouldn’t change a thing.”
Despite nodding to a diverse spectrum of influences, young quartet Side Montero are acutely aware of their identity. The spine is rooted in rock, with driving urgency of alternative and fuzzy allure of indie ebbing into the soundscape.
It was with 2019 debut EP Songs From The S that the childhood friends put down a marker. Subsequent full-length In The Loop showed a greatly heightened chemistry and fluidity from the rookie release. From the hooky riffs of the cathartic “Toast,” to the wah-wah induced “Indio,” the album oozes personality and musicianship, with Side Montero finding a deft balance of instrumentation and storytelling.
The Indigenous-led band proudly represents a sorely underrepresented group in rock music. Covering the Navajo, Cochiti Pueblo, and Oglala Lakota tribes between the members, lead vocalist Aaron Lee is is a staunch advocate for the environment, particularly the disproportionate affect that climate change has on indigenous communities.
Jaren Robledo explains: “It is no secret that the Indigenous experience is vastly different than what mainstream media pushes. It is our mission to give our listeners a window glimpse into the contemporary Native experience.”
Above all else, Side Montero is predicated on friendship. Lee shares: “We wouldn’t want to do it with any other band mates. We’ve grown up together and have been friends for a long time.”
Follow Side Montero on Instagram to stay up to date with the band.
Phot courtesy of Side Montero
