Review
by Mike Porciello
What do you get when you mix a dish of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Korn,
and salsa? A case of Suicidal Tendencies? You get a little Rage
Against The Machine there, Soulfly! No disrespect at all to the
members of perhaps the finest hard rockin' band to ever come out
of Puerto Rico. "Union",
released in 2001, during the nu-metal era, combines elements of
the above, but remains a highly original and influential opus of
work! In plain English: PUYA rocks!
Guitarist Ramon Ortiz delivers crunchy riffs from the opening
"Ride", and peels off blazing solos, as bassist Harold
Hopkins knocks 'em dead! Drummer Eduardo Macias is all over the
place, and right there in your face, as vocalist Sergio Curbelo
serenades, raps, and shouts. You might find yourself singing along
when you least expect it!
Furthermore, this album just keeps on coming after you! Just when
you think it's about to slow down, or end, the tempo picks up.
Like a relentless attacker, it grabs hold of you, and never lets
go. The beautiful, instrumental "Semilla", will offer a
breath of fresh air, and the anthemic call and response of
"Pa Ti' Pa Mi'" will have you screaming for a good
cause. Overall, I love the fast urban pace of the album, and these
guys are all about positive vibes. For that, I give them an A+!
Also, the original lineup of Ortiz,
Curbelo, Hopkins, and Macias, recently reunited, and are going
strong, so look for them to be in your neck of the woods soon! The
mighty mighty "Union" from PUYA is not to be
underestimated! Celebrate Halloween, Puerto Rican style, and check
out
PUYA.
www.mcarecords.com
www.puyaonline.com
(not official)
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