Los Pepes – Out Of The Void – clashmusic.com

With ‘Out Of The Void’, Los Pepes deliver yet another exhilarating burst of raw energy and melodic punk power that reaffirms their status as one of Europe’s most electrifying garage punk bands. The international ensemble’s fifth studio album since 2019 is a thrilling ride through catchy hooks, razor-sharp riffs, and heartfelt lyrics that refuse to let go.
The London-based five piece, whose members hail from the UK, Japan, Brazil and Poland, have been in operation since 2013, and have been showcasing their commitment to the DIY ethos from the get go. Since their inception, the band have enjoyed self-recording and releasing music, as well as crafting their intriguing album artwork and aesthetics.
Released on April 25th, a date that marks the fall of fascist regimes in both Italian and Portuguese calendars, Ben Perrier’s lyrics on the 12 track LP offer an assertive and unfiltered personal commentary on a wide range of socio-political issues. Sonically, ‘Out Of The Void’ fuses their signature 60s/70s punk-pop alchemy with a harder-edged intensity, as if The Boys collided with early Black Flag.
Nihilistic opener ‘Thoughtless Boys’ sets a clear precedent for what’s to follow. Released back in February as the album’s lead single, the song barrels through a melody-rich soundscape of reverb-drenched guitar riffs. Its music video features a Raymond Pettibone inspired animation of the “thoughtless boy” in question, brought to life by Perrier himself.
On ‘New Christians’, the band opens fire on religious conservatives, lying politicians and fear-mongering Nazis all within the first minute and a quarter, tied together by a chorus that features the taunting line “you keep the faith but you take everything”. With lyrics that are are unapologetically punk, it’s sound seamlessly picks out different fragments of inspiration from several decades-worth of music that echoes a similarly anarchic sentiment. This message is further established on tracks such as ‘Future History’ and ‘Undercover’.
The band change their tone on ‘All I Got Is Time’. This slower track speaks of unkind love, and sees the welcome introduction of a soaring organ line, accompanied nicely by a collection of thoughtful harmonies. As the song plays out, it slips further and further into an ethereal soundscape that clearly showcases the band’s appreciation of late 60s psychedelia.
‘Out Of The Void’ is a powerful testament to Los Pepes’ unwavering commitment to blending sharp political commentary with infectious punk energy. The album’s seamless fusion of vintage punk-pop melodies and hardcore intensity showcases the band’s growth while staying true to their DIY roots. With humorous and thought-provoking lyrics and arrangements that are as dynamic as they are infectious, Los Pepes deliver a record that challenges, energises, and resonates long after its final chord is struck.
8/10
Words: Finlay Harrison
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