Puya

Fundamental (MCA)
by Tim Den

Growing up in South Florida, I heard a lot about these guys: hardcore, Latin rock, grindcore… no one really seemed to know what they sounded like. Now the world will know, because I predict Puya will be the next big thing. Sounding like a combination of the above (but without the grindcore and with a lot more blues), Puya does the Latino-core thing with smooth conviction. Switching effortlessly from Limp Bizkit to Mambo Kings, Fundamental is a hybrid that sometimes takes many forms in a single song. And the band does this while maintaining an identity of their own, keeping a consistent vibe throughout the record.

While the hardcore aspect of this record might gain the band mass appeal (seeing as how the media is eating this stuff up), what really does it for me is the slower, Latin rock numbers. Swaying with salsa, blues, and Latin folk music (that means beautiful flutes, percussion, and Spanish rhythms), songs like “Oasis,” “Retro,” “Keep it Simple,” “Whatever,” and the title track make me want to dip my feet in the sand and have a fat cigar. As flavorful as they are sensual, they almost make the wait for the next Nil Lara record less painful. So I suggest you get with it, and let Puya shove a little soul into your head.