Album Review: Reacta – Refraction
Admit it: Mexico isn’t the first (or second or third or sixth) country you think of when considering new rock bands. But I’m here to tell you that if your tastes still run toward melodic, driving mainstream rock, Reacta are well worth a listen. From Aguascalientes (about 100 miles Northeast of Guadalajara, if that means anything to you), they play a sort of rock that feels a bit like what Coldplay might sound like if they rocked harder and allowed themselves to be influenced by, say, Radiohead and/or The Police.
The band sings in English, with no discernible Mexican accent, and their sturdy tunes are reminiscent of Soundtrack of Our Lives and other alternarockers who draw inspiration from the melodic side of things. Clear lead guitar work and gurgling synths are joined by a radio-ready production style (though the press kit suggests that making a pro-level release in the band’s hometown is no easy task). Not earth-shattering or groundbreaking, Refraction is nonetheless a very well put together album that stands up to repeated listens.
Reacta secured an opening spot on selected dates of Little Dragon‘s last tour, and they did a limited USA run in April. If the stars line up just right for the band, you may be hearing more about Reacta in the future. And they’ll deserve the notices.
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About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.