By Rodrigo Ricardo @hhdrums
When you hear people talking about Argentine rock at a gathering, artists like Soda Stereo, Charly García, and Fito Páez immediately come to mind. That's about it. Personally (my opinions do not commit this magazine) they never excited me much and there isn't much emotion that comes out of my gut when I hear something about those characters. That's why, when I was assigned the task of writing my impressions of the album, Vol. 1 from the Buenos Aires group The Weapons Bs. As., I was tempted to politely and respectfully decline the invitation.
It turns out that this album, in my opinion, is a near-verbatim interpretation of a subgenre, little known in Colombia, called Stoner Rock, which is characterized by a mid-tempo, low-tuned guitars, and a retro or vintage sound (or whatever you want to call it). The founders and leading exponents of this type of music were Californian bands like Kyuss and Fu Manchu, who, to compose their music, would venture into the Mojave Desert to consume large quantities of illegal substances (marijuana, LSD, peyote, among others). The result of this was the famous Desert Sessions, which would be a foundational milestone of this new style.
Putting the chatter aside, I can say that my impressions were good. In this work, the group forcefully embodies influences of psychedelic rock, blues, grunge and even some punk, contrasted by the melodic vocal cadence that characterizes Argentine vocalists. You could say it's a meeting of Fito, Jimi Hendrix, and Los Lobos. Furthermore, the songs are the perfect length (one doesn't even reach two minutes), so despite the density of the sound, you never get bored listening to it, although they would most likely be enjoyed more while under the influence of any of the psychoactive substances I mentioned in the previous paragraph…
In short, after listening to the entire work, I must thank the God of Rock for not letting my prejudices overcome my curiosity. His apostle Jimmy must be interceding with Him so that Las Armas Bs. As. can enter the Rock and Roll Pantheon. I'll give them a little push with my pleas.
Recommended Tracks: Narco Shirt, Jesus y The Elvis of the Terminal.