Aterciopelados

(The Latin Recording Academy) -- Colombian music icons Aterciopelados are continuing to win widespread critical acclaim as their new studio album Oye (Nacional Records) shapes up to be the most praised Latin-Alternative album of the year. The album climbed to #1 on iTunes' top Latin albums chart by the end of its first day of release (ahead of Maná, Shakira, and Juanes), and remained at the top of the chart for a full week. Aterciopelados also hit #1 on eMusic's overall Top Albums chart, beating out new releases from acts like Barenaked Ladies, Tom Waits, and Aimee Mann. With the critical and commercial success of their previous Grammy-nominated album 'Gozo Poderoso', Aterciopelados landed on the Top 10 of the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart as well as a coveted appearance on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno'. The multiple Grammy-nominated Colombian pop/alternative act has returned with their first new studio album in five years, 'OYE'. Aterciopelados co-founders Andrea Echeverri (vocals, guitars) and Hector Buitrago (bass, arrangements, producer) both released attention-grabbing solo albums in the past year (Echeverri's received two Grammy nominations), further building anticipation for the band's new studio set. The new disc is produced by Hector Buitrago from Aterciopelados and mixed by Thom Russo (Johnny Cash, Juanes, Kinky). With 'Oye', Aterciopelados return to a more organic, rock sound reminiscent of their earlier work on albums like 'La Pipa de La Paz' (Peace Pipe). "Complemento", the album's first single, is an upbeat declaration of love from someone who has found her soulmate; the person that complements her. The album also features Aterciopelados' trademark social and political commentary on songs like 'Oye Mujer' which asks of women "are you a human being, or the erotic fantasy of some guy?" and 'Paces', a call to action for peace. Aterciopelados formed in Bogota, Colombia in the early 90's, debuting with the 1994 album 'Con El Corazon en La Mano'. The group subsequently rose to fame in Colombia and internationally, with Aterciopelados having just completed a highly successful tour of Spain where they introduced European audiences to 'Oye'. Having recently wrapped up a successful U.S. tour, Aterciopelados will return to the States in early 2007 for the second leg of dates in support of the new album.