Swallow This

The end of our last century brought the hardcore world platitudes-a-plenty, from the personal to the sweepingly apocalyptic. But there was always an overpowering, undermining presence, seeping out now and again from the barrio cracks, and snapping us out of our self-righteous daze.  Spearheading this force was Martin and Lengua Armada Discos.  Both names have become inseparable from the names Crudos and Limp Wrist, but this post will focus on one of the less celebrated bastard children of the franchise, Tragatelo. I'd like to think it was celebrated less only because of its brief existence.  As Ricardo pointed out, the band was formed by Martin and Lina (of Subsistencia) among other hardworking musicians active in the late '90's.  Lina takes most of the vocal duties, and the band backs her bansheefied screams with the same raw and elemental drive that immortalized some of Crudos's finest work. New fangled designs will come, dazzle, and eventually succumb to obsolescence or else collapse under the weight of their own convolutions.  But the LA Discos workshop hammered out simple ones, made of the most solid stuff, and which aren't likely to wear out for some time yet.

 The twelve inch below comprises the band's tiny discography, collecting their side of the split demo (with Kontraattaque) and some unreleased tracks.

¡Tragatelo!

Recently Re-upped:

The "El Guapo Comp."

¡Libérame!

I'm on this whole compilation kick, so I hope you'll bear with me...
"Libérame" is the second comp posted on this blog that features a song each by Los Crudos and Huasipungo (yay!). And, like the last one, it's aim is to pass on information, as well as rock. This time the theme is the injustices perpetuated at the US-Mexico border (well, mainly). There's a small 'zine's worth of information and contact addresses, as well as the expected DIY art/design that makes releases like this even more meaningful. The line up is pretty impressive as you can see, consisting mainly of raw political punk/hardcore. Give it a spin if you think it might suit your fancy.

Here

No Dogs, No Masters!

You're probably wondering what the hell happened with the cover photo. No, I did not get hungry... explanation is to follow. Today's spotlight is on the band Arma Contra Arma. When their only record, the "Let No One Deceive You (No Dejes Que Nadie Te Engane)" EP was released (on Lengua Armada Discos), Arma was billed as 'the band with Martin from Los Crudos playing drums.' I suppose that was a "selling point" for many, although his drumming is nothing remarkable. As a whole, the band's attack is not a surprise one for any fan of Crudos. ACA keeps it simple and raw the way Huasipungo or Ataque Frontal used to serve it up. Each of the 7 tracks (except the last one) gets it's message across in under a minute, making this EP a quick, no-bullshit experience!

Cover Story: Sorry about the crappy cover pic. When I adopted my dog nine and half years ago, he went through that orally fixated separation anxiety phase. I thought my records were secure, but I underestimated his tenacious jaws of death. Among the other casualties of this brazen act of vandalism: the .NEMA LP, the Angel Hair/Kerosene 454 split EP, and the HHIG "15 Counts" LP (this one, he actually damaged the wax!). In retrospect, it could've been a lot worse. I think he (Ulysses) fully realized my wrath over this matter, because he never pulled a stunt like that again! (A message to all you dogs out there: Don't mess with your best friend's records!)

The Arma Contra Arma EP

More 7" Comps That Don't Suck Vol.7: "Books to Prisoners"

To continue on the 7" compilations with honorable intentions current, I present the "Books to Prisoners" comp (Young Heirs Project, 1996?). Proceeds from this release were donated to, well, the Books to Prisoners organization, whose purpose probably doesn't need to be spelled out any further. They've been around for over 30 years and deserve our support! Now for the music... This disc pre-dates the release of any discography CDs of its featured bands, so at the time of release this was a very exciting platter. Herein, we're treated to the under appreciated yet powerful modern hardcore stylings of Devoid of Faith and Drift, as well as the dark and dirty sludge riffing of Seized and the old school punch 'n kick of the almighty Los Crudos. Listen to this, read a book, donate, organize a prison break...

Listen

More 7" Comps That Don't Suck Vol.6: "In The Spirit of Total Resistance"

All right, this one's a double 7", but why split hairs!? "In the Spirit of Total Resistance: A Benefit for the Mohawk Nation of Kanesatake" (Profane Existence, 1992) is one of my all time favorites. This masterpiece has everything a good comp needs: variety, a combination of known and unknown bands, an honorable purpose, incredible information/packaging (64 page book!), and of course, some ass-kicking music. All the bands featured have their own unique sound (except perhaps Crudos and Huasipungo... but who's complaining?!), so if you've never heard this one, you're in for a fun musical adventure. To this day, I still think MITB's track, "Homo Afflictus," is my favorite song of theirs, and Crudos' "Quinientos Años" might be my favorite of their early tracks as well. Crudos' work is easy to find, but it's still nice to hear this song within the context of this comp's theme (500 years of indigenous resistance, etc.) I wish I had the time to scan the entire book(let)... maybe one day soon.

Track List:

1. Jonestown - "The Gnawing Flood of the Wasichu"

2. Los Crudos - "Quinientos Años"

3. Huasipungo - "Estúpida Ambición"

4. Charred Remains a.k.a. Man is the Bastard - "Homo Afflictus"

5. Pollution Circus - "The Angry Brigade"

6. One By One - "Self Determination for the Fucked Over of the World (Common Ground)"

7. Dogfight - "Texas Two Step"

Download It