Music Reviews: Lili Champ - "Vientos"

Music is an international language that can reach far beyond any country or language barrier. If the music is good and you can feel the energy racing in your heart and pumping in your veins it won't matter where it comes from. And if we don't look outside of our own backyard from time to time we may never find the musical beauty that awaits us in other lands far away. Santiago, Chile's own Lili Champ are trying to show that punk rock is also an integral part of that language with their debut album "Vientos".

The 8 songs on "Vientos" are so powerful and melodic that you'll forget that 6 of the 8 tracks are in Spanish. Kicking off with "Entrevientos" the band shows a strong sense of melody and great pop/punk hooks that any fan of bands like NOFX or The Queers would thoroughly enjoy. Complete with a chorus packed with "whoa oh oh's" it's just a great way to kick off the album. "Cheap Bad Coffee" is a fast paced romp with great guitar riffs and a frantic bass and drum beat. This is one of the 2 tracks that is in English. But that shouldn't matter. It's just a GREAT tune!

The band isn't just playing hard charged pop/punk. They also pull out a couple folky jams in the form of "Entrecerros" and "5to. Piso" where they play jangly chords over less aggressive vocals in the style of Against Me! and even Dropkick Murphys (minus the bagpipes). The band, Gaston (bass/vocals), Matias (guitar) and Pato (drums) really play well together on this album showcasing a strong bond that's obvious on tracks like "Westerlies" and "Ciclon". They have gotten the pop/punk style down to a science and they're not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve with intensity and drive.

Whether the band is singing in Spanish or in English, you'll be singing along in no time. It's just that good and catchy. I could see this band playing on a bill with Millencolin , Teenage Bottlerocket and NOFX and fitting right in. Greatness speaks for itself even if it's in a language you may not be familiar with. But don't take my word for it. Check out Lili Champ on your own and let the music speak for itself. This is by far one of the best albums I've heard this year. Good job gentlemen!

4 ½ / 5 stars