Concrete Playground

As a child, there is one animated series I was obsessed with above all others: The Mysterious Cities of Gold. Visions of ships sailing into storms, ancient Incan medallions and brightly woven ponchos have haunted my dreams to this day. Lost Valentinos were apparently fans of the series too. Their debut album, Cities of Gold, is filled with references to conquistadors, voyages of discovery, ancient technologies and undiscovered treasures. Dave Ma’s stunning video for the album’s first single, Serio, depicts the band gradually transforming into shamanistic creatures, dancing and drumming their way through a primordial forest. They’ve even minted a coin, a pure slice of Incan gold, which awards the possessor a chance at a trip to Peru when they register through their website, designed by the band’s own Patrick Santamaria. The album’s release is auspiciously scheduled for 09/09/09, but you can peer into Lost Valentinos’ elaborate world on August 1st before they embark on their Conquistadisco tour.