If we had to choose the Latin American country where the rawest and wildest garage and beat records of the ’60s were recorded, Bolivia would be one of the clearest contenders. For some strange reason—surely related to the country’s extreme conditions, its high altitude, and the influence of huayno—Bolivian recordings are truly unique and fascinating.

A multitude of bands sprang up under the influence of groups—mainly British—that dominated the international charts. From the ashes of two of Bolivia’s most important seminal bands, Los Black Byrds and The Turtles, two new groups fundamental to the history of Bolivian rock would be born: the mythical Climax and the legendary Loving Darks.

“Los Amantes Oscuros” brings together for the first time on vinyl the recordings this band made between 1968 and 1969, originally released across three EPs on the local Lyra label.

Their repertoire is packed with covers such as ‘El Adivino,’ a sped-up reinterpretation of ‘Fortune Teller,’ or even ‘Algo de títere,’ a reworking of ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash.’ They also adapt the classic ‘Call Me’ by Tony Hatch and ‘Toad’ by Cream, from whom they borrow the cover of one of their most iconic albums for the artwork of their EP “Complicado.” In fact, ‘Complicado’—a proto-punk version of the Rolling Stones’ ‘Complicated’ and their signature track—is a perfect example of how a Bolivian band could outdo the British giants in attitude and power. Their importance lies in having paved the way for new sounds, styles, and aesthetics within a still-emerging scene.

This compilation is a joint release with the Peruvian label Rey Record and includes an insert with notes on the band’s history. First time vinyl reissue.