Rata Negra Hawai LP
RATA NEGRA is back with another absolute banger. They keep progressing, and this time around, they’ve added more color and texture to their sound, dipping into the ’80s/’90s Spanish new wave/pop influences, which was something I fucking adored on their “Problemas No” cover on an earlier 7″. I’m hearing more moments that call back to stuff like DUN CAN DUH or even HOMBRES G (and I mean this as a big-ass compliment), mixed in with some propulsive punk rock on some tunes and SMITHS-esque jangly guitars on others. Lyrically, the band is still razor-sharp in commenting about the unbearable weight of modern life and the minefield of social interaction in the worst possible timeline. This is catchy, rocking, insightful songwriting that is executed with passion and joy; another home-run for this killer band.