This Argentine duo have managed to produce a moody piece of post punk wave; focusing on the traditional instruments of the sound. Electronics wait in the wings on this LP, working in the background of the stage.
Rarely is my girlfriend shocked by a record that comes through the door. Sure maybe something with pretty explicit lyrics might get a comment, or some of the harder techno or acid that wanders in. When Blind Prophet Records’ latest came out of its cardboard envelop it wasn’t the music that lead to gasps, but the artwork. I’ve got to admit, it’s pretty objectionable stuff; an atypical 1950’s American housewife with her face removed and a violent gash substituting features. Welcome to Mueran Humanos and their self titled debut LP. But beyond the artwork, what is the album about?
Mueran Humanos are an Argentine duo with a post punk attitude. The twosome hit onto a number of styles across this album.“Horas Triste” opens the account, slow and powerful piece of rock with heavy distortion and harrowing vocals. “Festival de las Lucas” follows in a similar suit, with strings and voice being the backbone of the piece. Some analogue chords lurk in the background, but this is ultimately an unsheathed rock track. “Corazon Doble” sees some of the industrial undertones come to the fore, the track blitzing into all out sonic abstraction. These industrial currents are carried into “Leones in China.” Arching strings are at the center, lurching and prodding the listener as vocals take a backseat. “Monstruo” is a catchy and playful piece, with synth chords wrapping themselves around strings. Minimalism sees Mueran Humanos out with “Exito de una ex Santa.” This terse piece is one of my favorites from the album. Deceptively simple the track is a fantastically bare and primal piece with raw vocals and vocoders to boot.
Mueran Humanos came out on Old Europa Cafe in 2010, but now is getting a vinyl audience on BPR. The sound of Mueran Humanos is not one I would instinctively gravitate towards, being more string and and drum based rather than synth and beat. But, this Argentine duo have managed to produce a moody piece of post punk wave; focusing on the traditional instruments of the sound. Electronics wait in the wings on this LP, working in the background of the stage. As BPR grows it is taking on new and ever more interesting aspects; this is a contemporary label seeking out modern sounds with an experimental and vintage twist.
Mueran Humanos is out now on Blind Prophet.
