Mestis (Animals as Leaders) Release “El Mestizo” Single From New Album Eikasia

Animals as Leaders guitarist Javier Reyes released a damn fine solo effort under the Mestis moniker in 2015. It was a bit more jazzy and less heavy than the music he writes in his day job band, along with a lot of other eclectic influences, but it still had plenty of oomph. It’s always fun to hear how musicians choose to branch out creatively on their side projects, and Reyes’ Mestis was no exception.

Reyes has revved up the Mestis machine once more and plans to release Eikasia later this year. The first single, “El Mestizo,” features drummer Eric Moore — Reyes’ bandmate in T.R.A.M. and formerly of Suicidal Tendencies — and is jazzy, funky, vaguely heavy and even has a little bit of Latin flavor. It’s got a serious earworm, too! I’m digging the crap out of it and can’t wait to hear more.

Eikasia comes out September 7th via Sumerian Records; pre-order here.