By Gina Lopez //

Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas with The Tambo Rays //
Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco
September 12th, 2017 //

Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas performed at Rickshaw Shop last Tuesday as part of their North American tour to promote their bilingual double LP Telephone/Teléfono, which was released in June. For Telephone/Teléfono, Hernandez did more than just translate the words; she translated her emotive poetry, ensuring that both albums enlivened the meaning behind the lyrics.

Also promoting new music were The Tambo Rays, who served as the show’s opener on this night. Performing songs from their latest album Recharge, they kicked things off with a high-energy set featuring lead singer Sara DaMert on the mic and brother Brian DaMert on guitar. Hailing from Oakland, these lofi indie rockers perfectly complemented Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas’ Detroit gothic pop-punk style with their alternative chill-pop sound.

The sound of Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas is certainly a “one-of-a-kind soundclash.” But on a personal note, what makes the band more unique is the fact that Hernandez is the only Latina-fronted indie-rock band that I have had the pleasure of seeing. As a Latina myself, I consider their new album a milestone in indie rock.

Not only did Hernandez sing songs in both English and Spanish, she performed while being five-and-a-half months pregnant and in a bright, floral maternity muumuu and black high-top Vans, exhibiting just as much expressive energy and stage presence as ever along with a style that was as unique and unapologetic as her music.