A couple of years ago, during my high school days, I came across a random concert by accident. I was relatively new to my country‰’s music scene, and I had no idea of what to except every time I went to a show.

My principal motive of going to this concert was because it was Las Robertas’ last show in San Jose before leaving to their first European Tour. Luckily, my friends and I arrived just in time to listen to this mystery opening band. I had never heard of Monte until that same night. As soon as their show started, I knew that I had just discovered one of my favorite bands.

With fuzzy, psychedelic guitars and powerful drums, Monte has enchanted the underground Costa Rican music community. The project started when Adrian Poveda (vocals and guitar) started looking for a drummer as his former band, Detectives Salvajes, split. He wanted to continue with a two people format for his new project, due to the great efficiency this dynamic has for him. Stefano Guistiniani entered the line up at first, helping Poveda define Monte‰’s sound, and as well allowing them to record their first self-titled EP back in 2010. However, Guistiniani left Costa Rica to pursue his college studies, leaving a vacant yet vital spot. Franco Valenciano, former drummer of Las Robertas, was the only proper candidate able to continue Guistiniani‰’s legacy. With a new drummer, Monte was ready to define their characteristic sound.

Even though they define themselves as “experimental pop,” I‰’ve always thought about their music as something more than “experimental.” Monte is able to keep a sonic balance between catchy melodies, dominant drums and hazy guitars. At first this description appears as every other contemporary noise and garage rock band, but it‰’s the harmony between Poveda‰’s matchless voice and Franco‰’s commanding drums that makes them one of a kind.

One of my favorite aspects of this band are their lyrics. Poveda‰’s songwriting skills caught my attention when he was part of Continental. The depth and beauty he develops in each verse was what made me fall in love with Monte‰’s music.

After one EP, a contribution of two songs for the album Si San Jose and fascinating collaboration with the Spanish singer Fajardo, Monte still has a lot to offer. They will be playing at Festival Indio in Panama this coming March 8-9. They also have plans of recording a new LP, this time under the productive and efficient DIY approach. Monte is constantly developing their amazing musical individuality, hopefully reflected in the material they will be offering us soon.