Review / 200 Words Or Less
Rata Negra
Oido Absoluto LP

La Vida Es Un Mus Discos Punk (2017) Nathan G. O'Brien

Rata Negra – Oido Absoluto LP cover artwork
Rata Negra – Oido Absoluto LP — La Vida Es Un Mus Discos Punk, 2017

This is some killer punk out of Madrid, Spain on that throwback tip. If you had told me this was some recently excavated ‘80s gem getting the reissue treatment I’d have no reason not to believe you. Even the band photo used on the cover—which itself looks like it was clipped from an old photocopied zine kicking around your dad’s attic—looks like three loonies making the scene in ’82 or something.

Alluring, moody melodies float atop post-punk-informed instrumentation. A lot of stuff like has gained traction of over the last five years or so, and for good reason. The vocalist is the glue that ties this trio together. Her delivery isn’t abrasive, rather tuneful, but in a way that is still undeniably punk. This reminds a little of that that La Misma record from a couple years back (also on La Vida, go figure), albeit less aggressive.

There’s a handful of quick, to-the-point numbers here, but the longer songs—those that surpass the 2:00 minute mark—where they allow themselves some wiggle room, are the standouts. See “Por No Estar Sola” and “Viviremos Eternamente” for example. The latter of which makes me think of the Nic Cage movie Valley Girl, but for reasons that aren’t quite clear.

Rata Negra – Oido Absoluto LP cover artwork
Rata Negra – Oido Absoluto LP — La Vida Es Un Mus Discos Punk, 2017

Recently-posted album reviews

Nine Pound Hammer

Too Outlaw For Outlaw Country
Reptilian Records (2026)

For nearly forty years, Nine Pound Hammer have occupied a strange corner of American music that very few bands have ever managed to touch. They're too loud for traditional country, too country for most punk bands, too dirty for radio rock, and frankly too stubborn to care where anyone thinks they belong. That's exactly why Too Outlaw For Outlaw Country … Read more

Fuming Mouth

The Ringing Bell”
Triple B (2026)

There are plenty of bands capable of writing crushing death metal. There are plenty of bands capable of writing punishing hardcore. Very few can occupy both worlds without sounding like they're simply alternating between genres. Fuming Mouth have spent years refining that balance, and The Ringing Bell feels like the moment where every piece of their identity locks together. Anyone … Read more

Time Thieves

Come Home/If You Survive Extended Edition
Independent (2026)

Time Thieves, of Chicago, IL, bill themselves as power pop in the vein of The Rentals or Fountains of Wayn or Weezer in their bio and they double down on that with the smooth as silk, uplifting melody of "Cover Your Eyes," the first song on their Come Home/If You Survive Extended Edition LP that arrived on my doorstep, literally … Read more