I was about to sit at a deli and post up to jot notes for this review. My ability to alter the world’s penetrating noises and vocalizations is strong. I tune them all into static. I set up the laptop and headphones, as the song playing overhead seeps into my ears. Recognizing it as a classic, solemn ‘80s hit aided to push the pen. And then, I easily transitioned into absorbing Hombre Nuevo, the newest record from LA’s Generacion Suicida out on Vitriol Records now.
On Generacion Suicida’s bandcamp, the byline touts, “KBD Style Punk.” For Hombre Nuevo, I would add a handful of ‘80s alternative (post-punk/goth/dark-synth/etc.), because the record is definitely akin or adjacent to current cold Oi!/darkwave, but this is no Joy Division clone. It still has the feel and energy of Oi!, but just not quite as aggressive. Operating the drums is an actual human, Kiwi. I had kind of gotten over the cold Oi! thing, and this is a great step to maybe get back. Hombre Nuevo is more about a band slinging instruments. Generacion Suicida produce gripping, antagonistic punk with a subtle delivery.
Hombre Nuevo was recorded as a trio with Kiwi (drums), Tony (Guitars/Vox), and Justin (bass). Notice the omission of credits for a synth. Of course, Generacion Suicida can be somber, and execute their tunes exquisitely. Providing atmospheric alchemy with guitars that charge and incite, just without thick, clunky distortion-drenched guitars. Generacion Suicida maintain their classic foundation with refined tweaks which add a unique spark to each song, never redundant. Morose. Mopey. Sad. And it’s great. Formed in 2010, this is a Los Angeles band showing attitude and style tapping from punk’s dark corners over seven studio albums and many EPs.
Here, Generacion Suicida encapsulate lighter ‘78 to ‘81 UK punk and definitely some US/UK ‘80s alternative (“College Radio” to apply the vernacular of the times) especially Echo & The Bunnymen, first two INXS, The Church, etc. I hear some Adolescents, Agent Orange on muscle relaxers, Wipers, Zero Boys, The Effigies (kinda). These names do remain influential in a more abstract manner when applied to the writing process, not necessarily a finished sound. But a rocker such as “Nunca Escucharas” or “Golpe Al Barrio” or “Tu Camino” get you bopping in your seat. Dreamy, seductive whimsy envelopes the listener. Each track is the length it needs to be, proving this band’s precise and passionate songwriting. Their self-editing is flawless. Take the driving bass starting “Cierro Los Ojos” as it continues with creepy guitar notes into an elevated chorus capturing the listener. Following that is “Tres” with a strong backbone and creepy ambient elements. This track is a slow, minimalistic song with the pick dragged on the strings to tickle the hairs on the back of your neck. Also check out my favorite, “Oscuridad”, with its channeling of that surf guitar (tweaked) and a forward beat.
Generacion Suicida nail it again. With Hombres Nuevos, the band churn out engaging, subdued punk sealed as testament of the prior 16 years as a band. Past releases are faster and more energizing, leaving Generacion Suicida to shed the ‘surfiness’ and still employ the reverb. This manifests as a paradoxical contrast in comparison to past releases. While Generacion Suicida maintain the garage/lofi approach, they lean less on the surf-style reverb; not deleting it, but bending it to their will now. With the alterna-influence, Generacion Suicida do not sacrifice grit and punch. While Hombre Nuevo is a marked difference for the band, it is a brilliant-sounding record completing the band’s vision. Not as loose, not as fast as Sombre or Regeneracion, giving the trio elbow room. I am not sure if they will become a quartet again, for recording or the road. Regardless, here are 10 tracks in 29 minutes. Delve and revel, my friends.
VINYL:
200 – black vinyl, numbered for tour/mail-order only
500 – red/black/orange marbled translucent
525 – black translucent (“black ice”)
BUY:
Vitriol Records
RevHQ
Headline
Puke ‘N’ Vomit
