Reviews

Hombre Montaña

Malestat Que Arda Todo LP

MALESTAT wants to see everything burn! Que Arda Todo is the debut from this punk’n’roll band from Maresme, Spain. The riffs come at you like a freight train, very rock’n’roll-driven, almost as if channeling THIN LIZZY, and the vocals scream with pure disgust, making for a frantic but somehow catchy concoction, like a collision you can’t look away from. Twenty-four minutes of energetic racket and lifted middle fingers, but always very slick and fun. Reminds me of a more raw version of ANNIHILATION TIME. If you like your punk sprinkled with some rock’n’oll attitude, then MALESTAT is the band for you.

Pöls A Nuestrxs Amigxs LP

Dang, duder! Wowzers. Driving, powerful sing-along verses and choruses bring this PÖLS LP fully to life. Clara’s vocals are similar to DISCOUNT and the LIPPIES while bringing in her own tone and melody. Her lyrics range from purely exposed and personal to broader themes (the neighborhood disappearing to chain stores, war-torn streets, refugee displacement, the positive and profound impact of friends and community). One thing that puts this a cut above is the occasionally graveled vocals of bassist Alex, punching in to level-up the earnest message PÖLS are bringing on A Nuestrxs Amigxs. This record is not a typical melodic pop punk placeholder that sits in the stratosphere waiting for you to listen to it. This record will find its way to you, move you, and make you feel something. I totally lucked out in getting this to review. My wholehearted thanks to the assignment desk for this one.