Bombasta uses its power to move its fans

Bombasta thrives on politics — and the politics of dancing.

In that sense, the San Antonio big-band’s politically charged hybrid of cumbia-funk, hip-hop, rap and Chicano rock ’n’ roll is not so different from the origins of Sly & the Family Stone, War and George Clinton.

Bombasta (augmented by Mexican Stepgrandfather) brings that sense of fun to The Pearl’s Échale Latino Music Estyles Block Party on Monday with the Suffers, Los Crema Paraiso, DJ Orión and Chulita Vinyl Club. Bombasta also opens for George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic at the Aztec Theatre on Thursday.

Led by Roberto Livar, Bombasta’s lyrics are often about the Chicano/Americano experience, border politics, race relations and ancient spirits, which explains new song titles “Nuevo Chicano” and “Movement.”

“I’ve never been one to shy away from taking political stances,” said Livar. “But we are a dance band, and we have to keep people moving.”

Sometimes that takes raw power.

“Energy-wise, it’s a lot more punk than I imagined it would be,” said Jon Harter, in-house recording engineer and producer at Keith Harter Music, where the band recently recorded 11 tracks over the course of two days.

“It was a good session,” Livar said. “Harter’s studio is so nice, and they’ve got so much separation. It was one of the few times we could go into a studio and cut everybody live. The whole idea was to try and capture that live feel.”

Conjunto festival producer, activist and Palo Alto College educator Juan Tejeda is a fan and has hired the bilingual group for his events. He’s a message guy.

“Bombasta is la nueva onda (the new wave) of Chicano music,” said Tejeda in an email.

“They represent the voice of a younger generation of Chicanos who are finding their integral place, both culturally and politically, in the U.S., the Americas, and the larger global society.”

Musically, the group draws its inspiration from the 1940s jump blues and swing hit of “Pachuco Boogie” of Don Tosti (which drew on Afro-Cuban sounds and jazz) as well as barrio speak and, of course, modern drum loops, turntables, samples and what the band calls “sangre cosmica.”

“Everything is fair game,” Livar said. “We got it moving in all directions.”

That also meant launching a DIY podcast, Radio Bomba, on tumblr.com. It’s an outlet for Livar, a chance to interview his friends, fellow musicians and visual artists, as well as shine the light on the San Antonio scene.

“I kind of needed an outlet and had been thinking about something like that for awhile,” he said. “The conversations we have are a little bit more informed than your typical media reporter. Our contemporaries are doing some very cool stuff here in the city.”

He’s featured guests such as Alvaro Del Norte of Piñata Protest, Third Root, Lonely Horse, poet Laurie Ann Guerrero and Anthony the Poet.

“I always tell people, ‘Hey, you’ve got to come to S.A. because we’re not the only ones.’ There’s so much good, unique talent in the city that’s coming from the common experiences but being expressed in different ways,” Livar said. “I think it’s exciting.”

Studio owner Keith Harter agrees. He listened to Bombasta’s new music during the recent sessions. “It’s an eclectic mix of modern and traditional Latin rhythms,” said Harter. “It’s real fun to listen to. It’s got a ton of energy.”

Translation: Let’s dance.