Perhaps the greatest sign of an artist’s lasting influence is when the masses are suddenly catching on many years later. By that maxim, Os Mutantes are Brazil’s answer to the Velvet Underground, though happily they’ve managed to keep it together for a whole lot longer. Os Mutantes bring their Tropicalia-infused psychedelia to the Bearsville Theater on Wednesday, June 26.
For the true music enthusiast – the one who digs through crate after musty crate of records in search of lost treasures – Os Mutantes’ late ‘60s and early ‘70s releases are likely among the holiest of Grails. Others may have first had the pleasure by searching for the original source material after hearing cover versions by the likes of Beck or the Bees. But perhaps the greatest conduit here in the US was a 1999 compilation culled from the group’s vastly exotic back catalogue, Everything is Possible. The collection, handpicked by David Byrne and released on his Luaka Bop label to much acclaim, was a critical and commercial smash.
It took another ten years following their widespread introduction to US and European ears for Os Mutantes to release a new album, 2009’s Haih Or Amortecedor, which stayed true to the group’s eclectic, exotic roots. This year, the group – with original member Sergio Dias still at the fore – released Fool Metal Jack, an album of psychedelic gems featuring everything from distorted guitars, brass and piano to jungle drums and, in a nod to the 21st century, sampled loops.
Os Mutantes, with support from post-punk trio Tuff Sunshine and psychedelic soul singer Blueberry, perform at the Bearsville Theater at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26. Tickets for the general admission show are just $20. For more information, call (845) 679-4406 or visit www.bearsvilletheater.com and www.mutantes.com.
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