Chicano Batman - "Friendship (Is a Small Boat in a Storm)"

Photo by Josue Rivas

With a name like Chicano Batman, it would be easy to dismiss them as a novelty act. I'll admit that their name is the main reason I gave this song a shot. Plus, they all wear matching vintage suits and shirts, which can scream "gimmick." But "Friendship (Is a Small Boat in a Storm)" is this groove based chilled out soul song heavy on keys. There is a heavy Latin influence, which is surprisingly rare in soul music. Most soul tends to vary between slow ballads and fast tempo dance songs, while "Friendship (Is a Small Boat in a Storm)" sits right in the mid-tempo range. It's too slow to really dance to, but fast enough that you'll need to move. This song is just pure groove. Not many bands can pull off opening for Jack White, Alabama Shakes, and Gogol Bordello, but Chicano Batman have.

You can watch the video for "Friendship (Is a Small Boat in a Storm)" below. The new album from Chicano Batman, Freedom is Free, is due out March 3 on ATO Records. You can pre-order a copy on Chicano Batman's website.