El Otro Yo Makes Impressive U.S. Debut

Even though the best moments in rock en espanol invariably involve the fusion of mainstream idioms with Latin folklore, the latter element is not a prerequisite for compelling Latin rock.

Take Argentina’s El Otro Yo, whose tuneful noise-rock is clearly inspired by Sonic Youth and similar bands from England and the U.S. The quartet’s U.S. debut Tuesday at the Key Club was a memorable performance that left a lingering impression and established a distinct personality.

Operating through its own label, Besotico Records, El Otro Yo has given free rein to its desire for experimentation. The 1997 release of a triple album meant to showcase the distinct musical personas of its then three members is a good example of this tendency.

The group’s punk-friendly, do-it-yourself philosophy can sometimes result in material that borders on the childish. Those occasional lapses, however, can’t obscure the remarkable instrumental proficiency of the young band.

Based on the lacerating guitar excursions of Humberto Cristian Aldana and the angelic background vocals of his sister Maria Fernanda, the group switched effortlessly Tuesday from quirky pop riffs to jarring passages of dissonance. The tightness of its rhythm section was a joy to experience.

El Otro shone when performing songs from its 1999 album “Abrecaminos,” such as the infectious “No Me Importa Morir” and the shimmering, poetic “Filadelfia.”