For those unfamiliar, Rata Negra (translated as Black Rat) is a three-piece (including members of Juanita y Los Feos and La Urs) Spanish-language melodic punk band from Madrid, Spain. They create high-paced, raw, yet catchy punk with an anthemic quality.
Their new record, ‘Justicia Cósmica’ is a masterclass in melody and is out now through La Vida Es Un Mus and follows 2017’s debut LP ‘Oído Absoluto’.
Their debut, ‘Oído Absoluto’, walked a line between the old (80’s punk from the Movida Madrileña period) and the new (with their use of modern day sounds and influences) and so expectations have been high to see what the band could deliver on LP number two.
Photo by Miguel Vargas
Despite an inherent darkness, this second record is absolutely packed with hooks, sing-along moments and dance-ability. Arty and imaginative – each song is a short, uplifting lesson in song crafting that never once tires throughout the duration of the record.
First single ‘Asesino’ buzzes with tuneful glee, ‘Mientes’ bounces with an anxious accessibility, ‘Te elevas’ is almost surf-punk at times and one of Rata Negra’s finest moments. ‘Sombras’ is a fine way to close a magnificent second record that leaves you gasping for more. This could well be one of the best punk records of 2018.
Photo by Miguel Vargas
This is a band that is impossible to pin down and ‘Justicia Cósmica’ is an unmissable record by a band at the peak of their powers.
Stream ‘Asesino’ below:
You can buy and stream the record through La Vida Es Un Mus here. (release date 1st October 2018).
