Aterciopelados Delivers Magical Rock en Espan~ol

After three cancellations, Aterciopelados finally offered its Los Angeles full-set debut on Sunday at the Dragonfly. It was an impressive glimpse at the skills of a group deservedly touted as one of today’s best rock en espan~ol bands.

The Colombian group became an international Latin rock sensation with “Bolero Falaz,” a catchy, mid-tempo punk version of an original bolero from its second album. It established itself as a major force with “La pipa de la paz,” a Phil Manzanera-produced jewel that includes the hit “Baracunatana,” an edgy version of a classic Colombian cumbia.

The Dragonfly show wasn’t as spectacular as the group’s half-hour presentation at the Universal Amphitheatre’s “Revolucion ‘97” festival last year, but it was more magical. Singer-guitarist Andrea Echeverry represents the folkloric, ethnic side of Aterciopelados, and bassist Hector Buitrago balances things with his punk attitude. Together, they form one of the most interesting songwriting teams around, but Echeverry is the face, the voice and the spirit of Aterciopelados, a charismatic, versatile performer and a natural singer who can stretch herself in virtually any style she chooses.

The night’s biggest paradox: Rock en espan~ol has grown so much in L.A. that we can see a sellout crowd singing along with both a local act (Pastilla and Los Olvidados) and a Colombian band, while the city’s only Latin rock radio station is about to change its format.