BALTHVS Brings Hypnotic Psychedelic Funk to The Mayan in LA
Los Angeles has no shortage of musical spectacles, but when BALTHVS took the stage at The Mayan, it was more than just a concert—it was a full-blown psychedelic funk odyssey. Hosted by Jazz Is Dead, the evening was a testament to the power of rhythm, groove, and cosmic energy, as the Bogotá-born trio delivered a performance that felt like a hypnotic fever dream, pulling the audience deep into their mesmerizing sonic universe.
The Mayan, with its ornate décor, moody lighting, and intimate-yet-grand atmosphere, proved to be the perfect setting for BALTHVS' immersive sound. The moment the first notes rang out, the crowd was locked in, swaying and grooving to the lush fusion of cumbia, surf rock, and funk—a sound so rich and textured that it felt almost tangible.
From the very first song, Balthazar Aguirre (guitar and vocals), Johanna Mercuriana (bass), and Santiago Lizcano (drums) proved why they are one of the most exciting acts to emerge from South America’s underground scene. Their chemistry was undeniable—tight, fluid, and effortlessly cool.
Aguirre’s reverb-drenched guitar licks floated through the air like smoke in a dimly lit room, blending seamlessly with Mercuriana’s deep, rolling basslines. Meanwhile, Lizcano’s hypnotic drum patterns locked everything into an unstoppable groove. Their sound wasn’t just music—it was movement, a feeling, an experience.
The trio’s Turkish psych influences shone through in their swirling, Middle Eastern-tinged melodies, while their Colombian roots added a distinct warmth and rhythm that kept the crowd moving. Tracks seamlessly morphed from laid-back, sun-soaked grooves to high-energy funk explosions, proving that BALTHVS are masters of musical storytelling.
Bringing BALTHVS to Los Angeles was a stroke of genius from Jazz Is Dead, the forward-thinking collective known for curating some of the most compelling live music experiences in the city. The event felt as much like a spiritual gathering as it did a concert, with the crowd vibing in unison, caught in the spell of the band’s entrancing rhythms.
As the set came to a close, the audience wasn’t just cheering—they were pleading for more. It was clear that BALTHVS had left an imprint, not just in their sound but in the atmosphere of the venue itself.
BALTHVS are more than a band—they are a sonic journey, a bridge between continents and cultures, blending sounds from Colombia, Turkey, and beyond into something utterly unique. With their flawless musicianship, infectious grooves, and undeniable stage presence, they proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the global psychedelic scene.
For those who missed it—find them, stream them, and most importantly, see them live. Because a BALTHVS show isn’t just a performance—it’s an experience you won’t forget.
