Review: Bardo Grooves His Way Across Zebulon

I've followed Bardo's career for a number of years via Chicano Batman. For those not in the know, Bardo Martinez is the lead vocalist for the band. Last year, I got to cover the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. I even went knowing I would get to cover only the first three songs before being escorted out of the venue. I could have put my gear back into my car and returned to the venue, but I have some expensive gear and I wasn't going to be one of those photographers who goes viral on social media for doing something stupid. 

Bardo at Zebulon

Come September 2025, I got to catch Bardo's solo side gig. The well regarding KCRW x School Night was doing a re-launch show at Zebulon and he was closing out the night. This time, I got to catch a full set. All the songs were from his sophomore album Transformation Time. The songs were a mix of Spanish and English. 

Bardo at Zebulon

Let's let Martinez describe his style of music. Via his website, he writes: "a blend of '80s electro boogie, Afrobeat, dub, and cosmic soul." This differs from the more psychedelic sounds of Chicano Batman though that soul sound still stands out. 

What is totally similar is his dance moves that were highlighted in the song "Ámame." He was gliding across the Zebulon stage. He also made sure there were no chances of him tripping as the first thing he did was move a fallen microphone stand off to the side. Later, he made sure a water bottle was pushed out of his dance path. It was like watching Fred Astaire (minus the tap shoes and Ginger Rogers) putting on the dance moves. 

Bardo at Zebulon

During parts of the set, he had backing vocals from Natalia. She provided some sweet backing vocals, but also sported two large "X" on each hand. Zebulon was making double sure that she wasn't getting any drinks. 

Closing out the set, he did an actual microphone drop after the final notes of "Ride." It was well deserved and the crowd wanted an encore. He came back out with his band to perform "Your Day Will Come," which on the album is recorded with N8NOFACE. A second mic drop closed out the night. 

Bardo at Zebulon

Comment of the set: I'm just trying to be myself, folks. 

After the set, I walked out of the venue and decided to drive by the building that was once the home of The Satellite. Perhaps it was driven by the fact that I once saw Chicano Batman at the venue. Prior to venues shutting down, it was one of my favorite venues. It just didn't survive the shutdown and the building has been empty ever since. I drove by and noticed a big "For Lease" sign up on the building. I personally think Zebulon should open a "satellite" location there. 

Bardo at Zebulon

Setlist: Doris, Ámame, Love Me Like I love You, Renacer, Funky People, Sad Boy, Anger Problem, Ride. Encore: Your Day Will Come.

Next Los Angeles show: he'll be hitting the stage at The Echo on November 14th.