Chicano Batman has always been a band that defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending psych-soul, rock, and Latin influences into a sound that’s as unpredictable as it is captivating. Their latest single, “Tanto Arriba Como Abajo,” is no exception—a spontaneous, instrumental groove that drips with the band’s signature laid-back cool.
This fresh cut comes courtesy of producer Sam Cohen, whose resume includes collaborations with heavyweights like Danger Mouse, Curtis Harding, and Kevin Morby. But don’t let the big names fool you—this track is pure Chicano Batman, a raw, unfiltered snapshot of a band that thrives on the magic of the moment.
“‘Tanto Arriba Como Abajo’ was born out of a break during a recording session at our bassist Eduardo’s studio,” guitarist Carlos Arevalo spills. “What you hear is almost exactly what went down in the room—five musicians completely locked into the vibe, letting the music flow naturally. We’ve been sitting on this one for a while, so it feels right to finally release it into the world.”
The track marks a return to the band’s instrumental roots, something fans have been eagerly waiting for. And it’s not just the new single that has people buzzing. Chicano Batman is gearing up for a whirlwind tour, taking their electrifying live show across the pond to the UK and Europe in August, before hitting stages across Mexico—a first for the Los Angeles quartet. Come October, they’ll be riding the California coast, bringing their sonic celebration back home.
“‘Tanto Arriba Como Abajo’ was written and recorded spontaneously during a session break at our bassist Eduardo’s studio. Most of what you hear is what was played in the room by five musicians completely in the moment. It has been some time since we’ve released an instrumental, so to remedy that we’ve decided to share this one from the vault.”
Carlos Arevalo
This tour is riding the wave of their critically lauded album Notebook Fantasy, a project that’s been turning heads for its bold, boundary-pushing sound. Produced by the legendary John Congleton—who’s worked with the likes of St. Vincent and Erykah Badu—and recorded in part at the iconic Sunset Sound, the album marks a new chapter for the band. Bassist Eduardo Arenas describes the record as “painting in primary colors,” a fitting metaphor for a collection of tracks that are as vivid and striking as they are emotionally resonant.
Notebook Fantasy gets its name from the daydreams of those who don’t quite fit into the status quo—the ones who spend their youth scribbling down otherworldly visions in the pages of a notebook. It’s a theme that resonates throughout the album, as Chicano Batman channels that same sense of wonder and exploration into tracks that are both fantastically strange and deeply human.
The band—Bardo Martinez on vocals, Carlos Arevalo on guitar, and Eduardo Arenas holding down the bass—has carved out a niche that’s all their own, and with Notebook Fantasy, they’ve only solidified their place as one of the most innovative acts on the scene. Whether they’re stripping down a track to its bare essentials or layering it with lush, textured soundscapes, Chicano Batman continues to prove that they’re a band that’s always reaching for the next level.
For more information and to purchase tickets for Chicano Batman’s upcoming performances, visit chicanobatman.com.
Chicano Batman –European and Mexican Tour Dates:
Thursday, August 29th – Tolhuistuin – Amsterdam, NL
Friday, August 30th – Into the Great Wide Open Festival – Vlieland, NL
Saturday, August 31st – Manchester Psych Fest – Manchester, UK
Tuesday, September 3rd – Lafayette – London, UK
Thursday, September 26th – C3 Stage – Guadalajara, MX
Friday, September 27th – Foro Indie Rocks! – Queretaro, MX
Saturday, September 28th – Auditorio BB – Mexico City, MX
Chicano Batman – U.S. Tour Dates
Thursday, October 24th – Tioga Sequoia Brewery – Fresno, CA
Friday, October 25th – Mill Creek Park – Bakersfield, CA
Saturday, October 26th – Quarry Amphitheater – Santa Cruz, CA
Sunday, October 27th – The Senator – Chico, CA
Monday, October 28th – Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
Tuesday, October 29th – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA
Friday, November 1st – Fox Theater – Pomona, CA
Saturday, November 2nd – Fox Theater – Pomona, CA
Sunday, November 3rd – Majestic Ventura Theater – Ventura, CA
