Los Venturas (The original)

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION.
'Los Venturas' started out in 1998 as 'Harley and The Revtones'. Playing mostly 60s double-picked instro-tunes they aimed to conquer the Belgian surf scene. The same month they did their first gig, 2 demo-tracks were recorded under the supervising eye of John Blair (!). Sadly these tracks have never been released on CD or vinyl, but maybe someday they will appear on a rarities album.
By the end of 1999 Los Venturas was formed after a bassist-switch and a change of name, as 'Harley and The Revtones' would wrongly be associated with the motorcycle-brand. The new name had to sound fresh, warm, ad-venturous and exotic. So Los Venturas has nothing to do with The Ventures, 60s-band The Venturas, Jim Carrey's alter ego 'Ace' or the city with the same name.
Meanwhile they had found their specific sound and started making own compositions. In 2001 these Belgian youngsters released their first 4-track vinyl-only EP ' Sharkfest'. For some already a classic in neo-surf.
For their full-album 'Aloha Summer', Los Venturas wanted to attend that classic 60s surf-sound. In early 2003 they went on a trip to London to record in Liam Watson's famous Toe Rag Studio (think of The White Stripes' much praised album Elephant, also recorded in Toe Rag.).
Still chasing the sparkle of instrumental power, people came, people went, some traded their instruments, but they all switched into high gear and ventured forth into the vast realm of instro-rock.
Thanks to the brilliant songwriting skills of Thomas Molineaux, Aloha Summer had a strong follower, 'Surfers Brew', an album that mixes ska, surf and a touch of reggae. Mention that all band-members were writing for this album which explains the diversity in styles.
With the leave of Molineaux and the arrival of Boost a new course was set to explore different styles with various sounds. Their collaboration immediately found it's way to the recording studio, resulting in the 4-track single 'Besame Mucho', named after a schlager classic from Dennie Christiaan. This EP was immediately appreciated in the scene, with 5 star rating from surf music reviewer Phil Dirt, and is a good example of the band's perfect blend of surf, ska, funk, rock-steady, soul, groove, reggae, rai and indie-rock.
Their latest release 'Kaleydoskop' (LP) is yet another step into the further exploration of sounds and styles with songs that are written by every member, to provide a varied but coherent album. Just like the kaleidoscope itself…



Over the years they have been touring in Italy, England, Switzerland, Holland, Luxemburg, Germany, France, Austria, Greece, the Czech Republic, . they sure have marked their spot in the European instrumental scene. Los Venturas have shared the stage with The Surfaris, The Trashmen, Slacktone, Jon and The Nightriders, Leighton Koizumi (The Morlocks), De Heideroosjes, Bee Dee Kay and The Roller Coaster and many many more.



Los Venturas are proud to present their new album 'Kaleydoskop' on glorious black vinyl on the Greek Green Cookie label. The album is recorded by Pete Curry in his 'Powow Fun Room', Los Angeles. Prepare for some psychedelic 'n sexy grooves, gypsy swings, reggae-rocksteady vibes and some true surfrockers!



Los Venturas at the International Surfing Museum - Huntington Beach



Los Venturas live at KCR - San Diego



Los Venturas performing at Magasin 4 - Brussels



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