Phil Gallo of the Daily Variety calls Los Lobos “one of America’s finest rock ‘n’ roll bands”

Listen: Howl

Los Lobos’ new release and more

By PHIL GALLO

Los Lobos, “The Town and the City” (Hollywood)

The East L.A. rockers return to form with their most assured album since “Colossal Head” a decade ago. Like their masterpiece, “Kiko, this new release is a multi-textured affair, pushing straightforward melodies into a host of sonic directions. Lyrics for the 13 neatly performed tunes are tied to the Mexican-American experience — family ties, the dream of a better life across the border, nights out in the city. “Town” proves yet again that this is one of America’s finest rock ‘n’ roll bands.