Luneta Vermelha

Luneta Vermelha formed in Belo Horizonte in 1996, with Martim Mendes on vocals and guitar, Bruno Travassos on bass, and Paulo Henrique on drums. They started playing small clubs around the city, working through the usual early struggles of a new band. Their first album 'Acorda' came out in 2001, and the single 'A Chuva Subiu Pro Céu' broke through to a wider audience.

Mendes wrote most of their material, and his lyrics often dealt with social issues and personal reflection. Songs like 'A Lágrima do Brasil' and 'A Morte dos Meus' showed that tendency. Their straightforward rock sound incorporated some Brazilian rhythms, but it was the directness of the writing that connected with people.

Their outspoken approach sometimes drew criticism from those who found it too heavy or political. They kept at it anyway, putting out songs like 'Amiga, Tá Viva?' and 'Choram As Estrelas' that stayed true to that perspective.