The cover depicts a cartoon image of a steam train hurtling along, surrounded by bats and a Misfits-like skeleton, looking very much like the Grim Reaper. The train is especially apt to Ruleta Rusa’s music, as it rips along at a fair pace most of the time with apparent disregard for all and sundry. It’s a great mix of punk, hardcore, garage, and rock’n’roll with former Peligro Social vocalist Jose Decay turning in a fine performance. With the lyrics being in Spanish, I’m at a loss at to their content, but this doesn’t diminish my enjoyment. The title track provides a slight variation in delivery, coming across like a cross between Rough Kids—another Sorry State band—and Anhrefn, an old Welsh (and predominantly Welsh language) punk band. The record closes in fine fashion with “Curriqui de Barrio” containing some outstanding guitar work which elevates the song to the top of the pile.
–Rich Cocksedge (SorryState, [email protected], sorrystaterecords.com)