Concert Review: Eslabón Armado (Ritz Raleigh)

BY MAUI CABRAL

Man... this one was special. Not just because it was Eslabón Armado, but because it was one of the very first shows I’ve had the honor to shoot and as a Latino myself, it hit on a different level.

For those who might not know, Eslabón Armado is one of the biggest names in Regional Mexican music right now. Formed back in 2017 in Patterson, California by brothers Pedro and Brian Tovar, the group has been redefining sierreño and corridos tumbados with a sound that bridges old-school tradition and modern storytelling. Their music has broken records: “Ella Baila Sola” became the first regional Mexican track to crack the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, and they’ve been topping the Global 200 chart while selling out shows across the country.

Walking into The Ritz that night, you could feel the anticipation buzzing in the air. Packed wall to wall, the crowd was draped in flags, cowboy hats, and the kind of excitement you can’t fake. People weren’t just waiting for music, they were waiting for their music. The kind that speaks in the same language your family does, the kind that plays at the cookout, the quinceañera, the long car rides.

When the lights dropped and the first notes hit, the place erupted. Pedro’s voice cut through the room, and instantly it felt like we’d all been transported somewhere familiar, somewhere home. Behind my camera, I could see it all: hands in the air, couples swaying, fans shouting every lyric like it was a personal anthem.

For me, this wasn’t just another gig. It was connection. It was pride. It was being able to stand in that pit with my camera and tell our story. To freeze those moments of joy, nostalgia, and pure energy. I’ll never forget the way the band connected with the crowd, the way they made a room full of strangers feel like family.

My first time photographing a show like this, for a band that means so much to our culture, will always be a milestone for me. This night reminded me not only of where I come from… but also where I’m going.

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JOSH "MAUI" CABRAL

Hey! I'm Maui. Originally from Queens, New York, now making Raleigh, NC my new home. I'm a touring photographer and Nomadic Motorcycle Rider, obsessed with seeing the world through different lenses!

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