PANZA

Panza biography
Argentinian ensemble PANZA was formed in December 1998 by Mariana Bianchini (vocals), Sergio Alvarez (guitars), Martin Delahaye (bass) and Pablo Contursi (drums). They were signed by record label Ultrapop in 1999, and made their recording debut with a contribution to a tribute album for Charly Garcia the same year.

In March 2000 they hit the studio to record their debut album Sonrisas de Plastilina, which was issued later the same year. The album was well received, and the tracks Fea and Panza are widely regarded as among their best compositions. Panza was busy promoting the album throughout 2000 and 2001, including opening slots for bands like Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Living Colour.

Early 2002 the EP El marajá de San Telmo was issued. In July founding member Delahaye left the band, replaced by Javier Gonzales (bass).

In 2003 Bianchini and Alvarez both launched solo careers, but were busy catering for the needs of their band as well. In May Panza's second album Infanticidio was issued. This sophomore effort soon took off commercially. Videos were recorded for the tracks Popstar as well as Callate Nena, and these were played extensively on MTV and other music channels. Promotional tours to Uruguay and Paraguay followed throughout 2003 and 2004, as well as several concerts in their native Argentina. A new line-up change occured in 2004 when Gonzales left, replaced by Franco Barroso (bass).

In 2005 Panza was signed to Signal Music, and in August 2005 Panza's third album Nada Es Rosa was issued by their new label. Musically it continued pretty much in the same vein as their previous effort, and was just as warmly received. Promotional videos for the music channels were made, and concerts to promote the album followed out 2005 and 2006.

In 2007 an album featuring semi-acoustic versions of songs from their previous albums saw the light of day, Pequeños Fracasos v. 2.0. A new album featuring new material is expected to be released sometime in 2010.