Extreme music fans who haven't noticed the releases from this Mexican label should wake up and pay attention. Their roster is quite varied and has something for everyone, especially for those more consciously minded. A few weeks back I covered the Hirax EP they released in the last half of 2008 and prior to that I covered a very nice Hungarian crusty hardcore combo called Human Error. Now is the turn for Brazil's Patria Armada, an old school quintet that started in 1987 under the moniker Disturbio-H and who only now are getting their first proper full-length out. Certainly, these dudes may have lost some hair and gained some pounds in the meantime but their anger is just as youthful and fresh as the first time they heard Agnostic Front.
Logically, Genocidio Urbano is as old school as old school gets. Which means there is a burly melodic quality to their hardcore. From the first moment on the roughness and in your face simplicity of it all Patria Armada recall their countrymen Ratos de Porao, who are of course the clearest point of reference for South American hardcore. The vocals of Gildo have the same crudity and girth of Gordo's and the band behind him trails close behind solidly delivering nineteen quickies that are never short of melody. The whole thing sounds like they want to pummel you against the wall and at the same time cover you with caramel.
Sure, Patria Armada are a bit of an old school affair and as such they are bound to appeal mostly to those hooked on traditional hardcore of both the Boston and the NY scene. And their delivery is so basic it may just provoke a few nostalgic tears, but the band delivers with such aplomb it makes the whole album sound rather actual. |