Reviews

Andalucia Über Alles

Cromo En Otro Lugar EP

This Spanish three-piece puts out a strong effort here. Kinda poppy, kinda dark, hella catchy. Musically this has elements that bring to mind the MARKED MEN, the LILLINGTONS, and SCREECHING WEASEL while remaining original enough to keep the listener interested. Six songs in total, one of which sounds like SCREECHING WEASEL’s “Hey Suburbia” with the chords slightly switched and in a different key, and one entitled “P.I.D. (Paul is Dead)” which has the vocal pattern of the BEATLES’ “Help” during the verses, which now makes me wonder if that was intentional?

Doctrina Alimentar Su Final LP

Mid-tempo punk out of Seville, Spain that tensely keeps the right amount of lyrical and musical attitude through the eight quick tracks. This could have been something the JAM recorded in the short time between their first two albums, if only Paul Weller sang in Spanish.

E.V.A. Un Sitio Barato Para Soñar EP

Debut recording from Barcelona’s E.V.A., offering up four tracks of dreamy post-punk on their aptly-named EP, the title of which translates to “A Cheap Place to Dream.” These songs are bass-forward, with simple, steady drums, clean, beautiful guitar riffs, and femme-led vocals, the sum of which reminds me of the post-punk coming from neighbors in France and Germany, like on the Symphony of Destruction label. And for a €1 digital copy, this shit is cheap!

E.V.A. II EP

As soon as I looked at the album cover, I was hooked: badass gothic imagery. Their music built off the artwork to create a new universe where you’re utterly immersed in their post-punk/gothic music. The long melodic vocals at the start of “El Fuego” made me feel like I was wandering around an abandoned church or graveyard, in addition to the darker and more ominous feelings in “La Muerte” (a fitting title). Similarly, I enjoyed the simplicity of the titles, being only one word, as it didn’t take away from the complexity and layers of the music. At times, the vocals had a droning quality reminiscent of Siouxsie Sioux, which is an immediate thumbs up from me. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this.

Faux Départ Si Tu Disparais EP

FAUX DÉPART first hit my radar with their killer 2021 album Vie Ordinaire. With this latest EP, their style has evolved in a way that moves their core resonance away from RAMONES-inspired three-chord punk and towards punky power pop like that of the POINTED STICKS. That may be too reductive because FAUX DÉPART is not reliant on formula, and has a distinctive knack for crafting deceptively sophisticated tunes. Artful and catchy, the Lyon trio brings four memorable cuts to the table that just get sweeter with each listen. Rolling back the overdrive gives the guitar a sharper edge that begs for a DOGS comparison. This is a perfect companion piece to the ALVILDA album that came out recently, which is to say that it’s a great moment for anyone with a hankering for infectious French power pop.

Monta​ñ​a Monta​ñ​a LP

The highly anticipated debut LP by MONTAÑA, a band hailing from Seville and formed in 2020, has finally arrived. Following their initial EP which made a splash in the vibrant Andalusian DIY punk scene, this new album features eight fresh tracks that stay true to the band’s signature style. With a focus on rhythms and danceable tunes, MONTAÑA boldly explores various elements of punk music that have evolved since the late ’70s, drawing from post-punk, new wave, and no wave influences. The songwriting and sound on this debut album have matured, showcasing the band’s ability to create songs that are both simple and complex, with an energetic vocal delivery taking the spotlight. Driving bass lines propel the music forward, supported by a solid rhythmic foundation and guitar work that keeps you moving while immersing you in the band’s dreamy and melancholic universe.

Better Off Dead / Nueva Generación split EP

NUEVA GENERACIÓN kicks off this split with two mid-tempo songs that walk the line between almost sliding into pop punk territory, but are just a bit too dark and slow to fully cross that line, “whoa-oh”s aside. BETTER OFF DEAD also contributes two songs which are faster and more upbeat than the songs on the NUEVA GENERACIÓN side, with a dueling female/male vocal combo that works together well. While both bands don’t take a similar approach to styles, the contrast works well.

Nunofyrbeeswax Hablo Raro LP

I have to say, when I saw the name of the band, part of me was a little nervous that that would be the best thing about them (meaning, I think it’s brilliant). Let me put you at ease and assure you that is not the case. This is straightforward, lo-fi, raw garage rock. I’m pretty sure that makes it punk rock. Throw in some dueling male/female vocals, and you’re headed right up my alley. That said, it always needs to be quality. Mid-tempo and with a strong bass line, this will have you not so much bouncing your head, but thrashing it from side to side. They have a song about Andre the Giant. The hell? This isn’t just “quality,” this is fucking great. Funny thing is, I don’t think they really give two shits what I think or what you think or what anyone thinks. You need to check this out. From Berlin, but I swear I heard Spanish along the way.

Tentáculo Cansados de Esperar LP

Straight from Triana and Nice (Spain/France), TENTÁCULO is a punk band that treads a fine line between mid-tempo melodic punk and hard rock, or NWOBHM and post-punk, with the chops and attitude of those great working class heavy metal Spanish bands from the ’80s. Whatever, we don’t need to pinpoint TENTÁCULO down anywhere: these eight songs give no-frills rock’n’roll with existential dread-themed lyrics and hook after hook after hook. “Extrañas Luces” shines with an old-school hard rock riff in contrast with the bleak pessimism in the lyrics and the energetic singalong of the chorus. Have to highlight the guitar work on this record: simple at times, but extremely melodic in a HÜSKER DÜ kind of way. The three last songs on the B-side are some serious bangers: you can imagine yourself singing with your pals in a sweat-drenched embrace at a dark small club or spitting this street poetry into a hot and humid night after a really bad day at work. Beautiful cover and design work.