Chica y Los Gatos

If Latin-jazzy-folk-indie music floats your boat, pull in the anchor and prepare to set sail on the open waters of concurrence. Perfect Weather displays a remarkable ability to dramatically shift from Latin dance numbers such as “Baby, I’m Not Blind” to mellow introspective ditties like “Lighten Up.” Lead singer/guitarist, Renee Muzquiz, sings as though she were a storyteller. This is a really fun album, worthy of a spot in your already seasoned collection. It plays well alongside Celia Cruz, Eddie From Ohio, Ani DiFranco and Fishing For Comets.
(Shane Epting) - Harder Beat Magazine (Dallas, TX)

Out-lesbian Renee Muzquiz has worked both solo and with a revolving cast of backing "gatos," including her younger brother Ramon Muzquiz. Though she's recently decided to explore the Pacific Northwest (Portland, Ore., specifically), this debut album is a band effort produced last year in her hometown of Denton, Texas. Ranging form the sparse acoustic folk of "Lighten Up" and "Not Fair" to the jazzier pop of the title track and the melodic opener "The Core of Me," this self-released nine-cut disc is less aggressive than the other albums mentioned above, but the bulk of it still fits into an indie pop-rock category---even the twangy slide-guitar stomper "Shoes Without Souls" and Latin-jazz flaired "Baby, I'm not Blind." Muzquiz's lyrics cover her personal struggles and triumphs in life and love, and her dramatic vocals fall somewhere between a young Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos. The album took a few listens to grow on me; I'm so curious to hear how the Portland music scene influences her sound. Keep an ear out for this one. (myspace.com/chicaylosgatos) - Curve Magazine - Margaret Coble

Renee Muzquiz may not at first appear to stand out amongst the seas of starting singer/songwriters. But her voice, strangely seductive while somehow innocent, demands its audience to listen closer.

I watched as she bravely followed a too-long performance art piece, which shocked the audience’s senses with screeching feedback and ready-to-serve bacon. The impatient crowd, complaining over “bleeding ears,� paused from closing their bar tabs when Renée took the microphone.

The room quieted as she passionately delivered her original lyrics over soulful, round-belly guitar sounds. Her voice is flirtatious, headstrong and at times shuddering with anger. But the underlying dark tone declares itself within a voice of optimism.

Her tunes are up beat and her voice boasts dynamic timbre and refreshing harmonies. Her bridges break from the heavier guitar vibrations just long enough for everything to sink in and make your skin tingle. Her strategic pauses force you to reflect on the difficult experiences she reveals. This young woman may have suffered the gauntlet of pain implicit in young love, perhaps even more so, considering she is gay(?), but she emerges now as an inspiration.

Listening to her CD, "Phased,"? one can run the gauntlet with her. From issues of suicide, fear and dejection, you travel full circle with Renee as she achieves a calmer, wiser perception by the sixth song. Her sad, self-reflecting voice blossoms into a gentle mentor that endorses life, despite its problems.

Maureen's Song? is the most poignant on the CD. Her simple lyrics are loaded with familiar afflictions of youthful uncertainty, abandonment and heartbreak. Meanwhile, she garners understanding for an issue that perhaps some music listeners take for granted. Love songs are too often perceived as heterosexual experiences. Renee awakens appreciation to the contrary. She reinvented my empathy for the struggles of the gay and lesbian community when, instead of ambiguously referring to a generic romantic relationship, Renee boldly describes the difficulty of loving some one who does not share the same sexual preference. Maureen, the subject of her song, she describes in a heartbreaking gasp: "did not want to love a girl."

Perhaps it's a simple thing for some. But in a country and a time that is showing little compassion for the rights and interests of gay and lesbian couples, I think it is important to celebrate young artists who are not afraid to share their unique experiences. Renee's songs evoke empathy and passion with intelligent and intimate lyrics. This listener looks forward to hearing much more from Renee Muzquiz as long as she continues to break the boundaries of this culture's perception of "love norms."? - Bond Huberman