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After opening act Atrevido finished its set, one could feel the tension in the air Friday night, as the South Beach Club and Lounge patrons awaited the return of La Conquista, a girl group from Monterrey, Mexico. The sound crew made a few minor adjustments and then, La Conquista began.

"La Chica Conquista," Marcela "Machy" De La Garza, the lead singer and guitarist, says is for all the women. The song speaks to all women large, thin, tall or short and reminds them that they are in charge. The song also embraces the new music style La Conquista is creating.

BY DANIEL U. SANCHEZ FOR THE AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Copyright @ PuroWesTxParty.com All Pictures And Web Design By: Raymond Hernandez

Like other urban cumbia bands, their sound incorporates hip-hop. However, De La Garza began her musical career as a rocker and this influence is evident. La Conquista masterfully displays their mixture of rock, hip-hop, pop, funk and cumbia in the new songs they debuted in Lubbock.

"Quiero Bailar," from their soon-to-be released compact disc, was written by De La Garza. One can hear The Go Go's-influenced beat. "Quiero Bailar" translates into "I want to dance," and that's exactly what people were doing on the dance floor.

Next, Monica "Mony" De La Garza, Machy's sister, displayed her brand of accordion funk in "Papi Chulo." Mony is anything but a traditional accordion player, her sounds, look and dance induce the audience into following her lead. As more than one admirer photographed Mony with his cell phone.

The dancing continued as Machy rapped the lyrics of "Dolor Tu Causas." Then, it was time for the audience to get into the act.

Machy invited a few women, chicas conquistas for the night, to join them on stage. Twelve brave souls danced as the band sang "Yo Se," a song that typifies La Conquista attitude. They take control of a past relationship by singing, "I know that you miss me, I know that you remember my love." La Conquista truly enjoyed sharing the stage with their fellow chicas. The crowd moved closer embracing everyone on stage.

As the chicas began singing "Es un Ladron," the female fans exited the stage. Then Machy decided it was time to give the men in the house equal time, and invited a couple of men on stage. "El Feo" is the song the chicas selected for the men.

"Cuando Te Vi" featured Mony, her accordion licks are refreshing and demonstrate her mastery of the instrument. Next, "La Callejera" turned the heat up on the stage and the dance floor. Strong rap lyrics delivered with a cumbia beat inspired one woman into rejoining the band on stage. The song is destined to be a hit and Machy reminded the crowd to listen for it on the radio soon.

The next number generated more dancing, by now the dance floor was packed and those dancing moved through the huge crowd surrounding the stage. This intensified the feeling of intimacy between La Conquista and the conquered. Machy sensed this unity and shouted "Manos ariba! Manos ariba!" and the crowd willingly raised their hands in the air. This is when La Conquista decided to recognize one of their heroes.

Machy said they were about to honor the Queen of Tex-Mex Selena. Then the conquistas proceeded to cover a few of Selena's hits. Selena would have been proud as the chicas tore up the stage and delivered Tex-Mex with more than a little hint of cumbia. This tribute is not surprising, after all La Conquista is produced with Q-Productions. The Q is for Quintanilla, as in Abraham Quintanilla. And as any Tex-Mex fan can tell you, Quintanilla is Selena's father. The tribute was a success and the chicas returned to their original songs.

"La Chica Conquista" reminded the fans why they were here. All the conquistas displayed their musical talents.

The chicas finished their set with "La Callejera" and Machy reminded everyone to look for the new CD in January. La Conquista is a band on the brink of superstar status and you can bet the new CD will be a success.

La Conquista Official Web Site

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