Mexican rockers Café Tacvba returns to Tucson

Then again, Café Tacvba is not just any ordinary band. The critically acclaimed Mexican rock quartet returns to the Rialto Theatre tonight to promote its latest recording, “El Objeto Antes Llamado Disco.”

“It is was a good pretext to return to Tucson,” said Rubén Albarrán, the lead singer, known for his long, natty locks, quirky voice, animated stage presence and occasional name changes.

Albarrán and the other band members, Emmanuel Del Real, and brothers Enrique Rangel and Joselo Rangel met as university students in Mexico City.

Fans of English goth and American punk rock, a mix that other Latino rock groups experimented with in the 1980s, Café fused its punk rock with Mexican rhythms and sounds — norteño, ranchera and huapangos.

The sonic melange was an instant hit with young Latinos. Over the years the group has attracted a worldwide following and continues to evolve.

“I think it is important to change our sound,” Albarrán said.

The new recording, released late last year and produced by Argentine Gustavo Santaolalla, “Objeto” reached the top of the Mexican charts and earned critical applause in Latin America, Spain and the U.S.

“Objeto” is a richly woven interplay of guitars, bass, drum, synthesizer and digital sounds. It’s ambitious and complex, far apart from the more simple pop sounds of most rock en español groups. Hints of stylings from lethe Andes and the Middle East gives “Objeto” added world texture.

Albarrán said the group attempts to capture the band’s essence and personality in the time the record gestates from early ideas to final release.

“Each recording is done in the moment,” he said.

Café Tacvba’s concerts, however, are sing-along love feasts as the  rockeros groove on the band’s many hits from the past 25 years — “Chica Banda,” “Rarotonga,” “La Ingrata” “El Ciclón,” “El Puñal y Corazón,” and covers of “Ojalá´ que Llueva Café” and “Como te Extraño Amor.”

“We’re getting old but rock and roll keeps us young,” he said.