Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Portland (the rainy one) all-girl power trio The Del Toros lay down an ever-twisting squall of brassy, loud rock n’ roll on ‘Hot Damn.’ Their amped-up motorin’ rides along on stoner-punk riffs and manic brat squeals and an infectious sense of entitlement. These chicks obviously don’t need you or me to tell ‘em they rock; they’ve known that for years now, and they’re just waiting for us to catch up. Ok, so lead Toro Sheri’s vocals follow Erica’s bass lines from one end of the song to the other with the same single-mindedness as some hairy ultra-doom band, but let’s just chalk that up to mathematical accuracy. She does have a formidable screech on her, somewhere between Kat Bjelland from Babes in Toyland and a mouthy 13 year old demanding either kicks or candy, and the other Toros join in for a seriously hussy-fied grrrrrrl-punk chorus on most of the tracks. Reminds me of more than a little of the rip-snorting girl-fight-with-guitars that is Denver’s own Hemicuda, only with more of a tendency towards art-noise freakouts and dope metal chug. If you dig ballsy chicks (as opposed to chicks with balls, which is a different discussion altogether), then take The Del Toros for a ride. Just watch the fuckin’ horns. - mr. sleazegrinder
The Del Toros got rock action. No bull! A solid, punchy rhythm section, some cruchy-ass guitar riffage, and vocals that are sometimes sweet and cute, sometimes shrieking and sinister. These ladies trade the halos for the horns in the blink of an eye, so don’t turn your backs. - Roland Couture
There is quite a buzz around The Del Toros debut release, “Hot Damn!” and with good cause. This band rocks! Plain and simple. Not since Wendy O. Williams have I heard such power, and they are only a three piece outfit. There is nothing here for the musicologist, just power chords, strong vocals, and fun songs. They seamlessly combine elements of metal, punk, power pop, and rock to create a sound that is fun and bound to get you dancing around the living room. Turn it up and give the neighbors a treat. They create an energy rarely seen in three piece acts. Erica, Mary, and Sheri are a match made in Heaven. As I listen to the disc I am drawn back to my days in the early 80’s when I saw bands like The Dead Kennedys, GBH, Millions of Dead Cops, and others. When I saw these bands, what impressed me most was the ability to sustain such a potent energy for an extended period of time. The Del Toros capture this feeling for me again. Though they are located in Portland, Oregon, and I am not likely to get to see their act live I recommend taking a chance on them. - Dennis Halsey
The Del Toros are releasing a CD tonight of their no-bullshit rock music that almost sounds like a pair of black jeans and beer. Their shows tend to be laid-back party scenes as it is, just some rockers feeling good, rockin'. Their music is metally and anthemic, laying down a solid, rough instrumental base for lyrics that play with both a girly band cheerleading style and baby talk. At other times, there's a steely, Wendy O. Williams-style, sinister robot bedroom voice going on. If you haven't seen these locals recently or at all, check it out for some solid girl action that's not too grrly. - Marjorie Skinner
If you like your ‘girl bands’ pretty and fluffy, stay away from the Del Toros. There's nothing revolutionary about their songwriting or overall sound, but they can seriously rock out. Bassist Erica Thygesen makes even simple licks sound delicious; with more experience and far more subtlety, drummer-vocalist Mary Esquivel could be the next Janet Weiss. Dig their CD release party with lotsa punk and lotsa rock. - Tiffany Lee Brown
The Del Toros is an all-girl punk rock group from Portland, Oregon. Just because I mentioned this is an all-girl band, does that give them special treatment? Of course not and these girls don’t need it. Their punk sound with rock and metal twists will take over your brain and make you move. - Mike Burmeister
The first ladies of rock have been tearing it up and now they’re ready to release a little bit more on your ass. I got the prerelease of the CD and its smoking. - Dave Gayunas
Discography
Hot Damn! (Suavecitas Records c. 2003) Full length album. Has been receiving significant critical acclaim. Several songs have been receiving air play in Europe and on US college radio stations.
Northwest Kicked in the Nuts (Last Chance Records c. 2003) Compilation album. One song contributed.
Mine/ Yours (self c. 2002). Original ep demo.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
With a shotgun blast The Del Toros flew out of the starting gate in the spring of 2001 with a fresh sound, good looks, and great energy. This tightly wound three piece generates a unique infusion of metal, pop, punk, and arena rock, creating a sound that is both comfortingly familiar, and yet unlike anything else happening in this neck of the woods. Sheri Deitrich, guitar and vocals, brings a sense of experimentation, vast knowledge of music theory, a love of metal, and some of the most outrageous guitar solos seen in years. Erica Thygesen, bass, possesses a love of surf, oldies, and pop punk, and demonstrates a genius for developing truly infectious hooks. Machine Gun Mary Esquivel brutalizes her kit with some of the most aggressive precision drumming known to punks, and her wicked lyrics sting like a bee. Their chemistry is magical, and from their inception, the band has been wowing audiences around Portland and the West Coast.
Ever ambitious and focused, the band recorded their first album in January of 2002. A collection of their early work, Mine/ Yours presents a diverse group of songs woven together by that infectious, indefinable quality that is strictly a Del Toros sound. The Del Toros are just about to release their second full-length album, Hot Damn. Tighter and more aggressive than ever, their sound has evolved with more metal, surf, and punk shining through than ever before. An album this good comes along only once in awhile, and music fans can consider themselves lucky. You can find also find The Del Toros on Last Chance Records Kicked in the Nuts Northwest comp.
The band has rocked the West Coast and the South West on several successful tours. The ladies quickly realized that out of town, they were confronted by the preconceptions of audiences that another “girl band” was about to play. Those misconceptions fueled some amazing live performances, and since there is nothing “girl-bandish” about the Del Toros except for their gender, people were left stunned. On stage after stage The Del Toros have proved that they own the show, and they always leave the audience begging for more. As they rip through town, they leave behind a wake of carnage and destruction, mostly in the guise of broken hearts and shattered eardrums.
Look out for The Del Toros; they’re poised to take over the world, and they’re coming to a town near you. A superb stage show, amazing musicianship, catchy songs, and raw sex appeal combine to make The Del Toros your new favorite band.
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