As fans of Mexican-influenced music thirst for originality, the brand-new band Montú delivers it with no reservations. Creativity, in fact, is the underlying identity of this four-man ensemble. From their melodic sounds to their heartfelt lyrics to their no-frills stage presence, Montú boasts an impressive ability to innovate without shedding the tradition that binds listeners of Regional Mexican and Tejano music.

"It's a fresh, new sound that the people have been waiting for," says Armando Velásquez, the band's accordionist and producer of their first album, Sueño o Realidad.

To be released in mid July by the San Antonio-based independent record label Abizmo Records, the album features the first single "Quién es ella," a catchy progressive cumbia with Spanish rock and reggae tints.

The 12-track album is a solid production that delivers delectable cumbias and rancheras plus so much more. Take, for example, "Tu abandono," a unique accordion-based merengue song, or "Mi agonía," described by Velásquez as a "French café slash Ramón Ayala waltz." And then there's "Para siempre(tu y yo)," a melodic Spanish rock ballad, and the sad jazz instrumental "Sueño o realidad," a listening experience that surely blurs the line between dreams and reality.

The band members pride themselves in their sharp, young, alternative look, but especially in their musical talents and their distinctive sound, to be confused with no other artist in the genre. Collectively, their long list of musical credits includes providing instrumental support to highly acclaimed Tejano artists such as Jay Perez, Shelly Lares, Joel Nava, Stefani Montiel and Culturas. All their songs are Montú originals.

The band, which formed in January 2000, consists of singer/bajo sexto player Gerónimo Ruiz, of Laredo; electric bass player Isaac Valles, of San Angelo; drummer and percussionist Aguinaldo Garza Jr., of Laredo; accordionist and vocalist Armando Velásquez, of Bay City, Michigan.

For promotional material, booking information or media requests, contact Abizmo Records at 210-674-5336.