POP MUSIC REVIEWS : Manic Hispanic Knows About Fun

Manic Hispanic has taken on the kitschy mission of filtering punk classics through a vato’s perspective peppered with Chicano slang, Spanglish mangling of lyrics, and fun-poking, not-politically-correct references to stereotypes about barrio life.

But the all-Latino band from Orange County, whose key players are moonlighting members from three punk-pop contenders--Cadillac Tramps, Joyride and the Grabbers--were far less concerned with incisive satire or parodic musical transformation than with having a good, rowdy, no-brainer time with songs they grew up loving.

Manic Hispanic’s set Friday night at the Foothill in Signal Hill featured songs from Punk Rushmore--classics by the Damned, Sex Pistols, Clash, Ramones, et al., along with choice selections from less-famous punk bands that would reside in a connoisseur’s collection.

The modifications were modest: “Borstal Breakout” from Sham 69 became “Barrio Breakout” and “Police on My Back” turned into “Migra on My Back.”

The lyrics that Mike (Gabby) Gaborno delivered in his wry but authoritative bark--or at least those that could be made out--didn’t indicate much thought or effort given to reshaping those oldies into something distinctly new, or especially funny. Maybe more satiric wit will be evident when Manic Hispanic delivers an all-covers album planned for next year.