Los Pepes
Out Of The Void
Wanda Records
You might be wondering where all the spit and sawdust bands have gone, and who is carrying the baton from The Stooges and Ramones? Well, the answer is here in the shape of Los Pepes, a London-based quartet who’re alleviating music of all its excess baggage, until all that’s left is pure, unadulterated rock n’ roll. Since 2013, Los Pepes have been doing their very own version of the blitzkrieg bop, fusing ‘70s punk attitude with ‘80s hardcore fury whilst keeping a melodic sensibility at the eye of their tornado. Album number six finds them further honing their craft, never using two chords when one will suffice, and injecting some much needed oomph into modern music. That only two of Out Of The Void’s twelve tracks break the three minute mark should give you a good indication of the sound contained within, but don’t mistake musical brawn for lack of brains because the likes of ‘Paradise’ are bursting at the seems with neat ideas. From the heartfelt ‘Sweet Appeasement’ to caustic closer ‘Tomorrow And Today’, this is an album that sends sparks flying from its heels. From Out Of The Void, and into the light, Los Pepes are the true saviours of rock n’ roll.
Review by Peter Dennis.