As an artist who’s been a part of the scene for over a decade, it’s always interesting to see how Kefas grows and explores new territories in his work from project to project. After releasing a couple of singles in 2021, he decided to put out his latest full-length, Vendrán Días Mejores, earlier this year to continue playing around with his brand of pop. Vendrán Días Mejores starts with “Los Recuerdos”, a blend of soft rock, pop rock and bedroom pop that tells a love story. Afterwards, “Mantís Religiosa” is a blend of blues and psychedelic rock that again explores the subject of love. Then “Tu Lengua” is a collaboration with Sara Holgado that finds the musician experimenting with elements of flamenco that make Sara’s vocals stand out beautifully. Next, in “Hijos de Babel”, Kefas displays his funk and disco influences. After that “Me Parece Bien” closes the first half of the album wby displaying Kefas country musings. The second part of Vendrán Días Mejores begins with “Si Algo Se Va”, a record that shows Kefas again exploring love, but this time in a pop rock song that has a lot of mainstream potential. Subsequently, “Trenes” is a story-driven tune that shows Kefas’ musicianship in a track that has the potential to be in a Disney musical. Later, “Hablé De Más” is a collaboration with Ethel Aldrete that mixes blues and hard rock as Kefas’ shows his heavier side in a tune for those looking for a headbanger. Next, “Espejos de Hoteles” finds Kefas reflecting on the life of a musician as he mixes blues and pop rock to create a dark and emotional ballad. Finally, the project ends with “La Pureza”, a synthpop and rock blend that finds Kefas telling a story that explores the topic in its title.
In sum, Kefas’ Vendrán Días Mejores is a great display of how Kefas is still willing to explore different sounds despite his double-digit career. Hence, avoiding the comfort zone at all costs.
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troubled kids
resort to troubling acts that can make or change their communities in the greatest or worst of ways. this suddenly becomes
a tough game. they try to act smart, like the smartest smart asses you’ll find. but i gotta stay humble & let ‘em act like clowns before they understand why they got the ball on their court. “Prisma Bonus Tracks”: Kheb & Solecito’s Experimental Leftovers Show a Glimpse into a Cool Future7/12/2022 Earlier this year, producers Kheb and Solecito joined forces to release the beat tape Prisma, a project that found them experimenting with lo-fi instrumental hip hop in different ways. Prisma Bonus Tracks provides some of the tracks that could’ve served as a last act to those sessions. Prisma Bonus Tracks starts with “Untitled”, an interesting experimental tune that mixes elements of glitch, phonk and classic video game music. Afterwards, “Reflection 2.0” features Young Rvy on a beat that shows a bit of bossa nova influences. Then “YM Flip Beat” serves as a relaxing record that’ll make fans of classic Southern rap remember their childhood. Finally, “Enlightened” is a collaboration with mon-T 333% that finds the musicians delving into psychedelic, space rock and surreal-inspired atmospheres. Overall, Kheb and Solecito’s Prisma Bonus Tracks is an interesting experiment that shows the different directions the beatmakers are willing to explore while serving as a potential look of what their future might look when left to their own devices.
it’s amazing
how a simple thought can sometimes become a life changing event. After starting his career with the 2021 EP Crescendo alongside Andregutti, rapper and singer Joshoboreleased a few singles before finally releasing his debut album CONSTELACIÓN, an album that shows his blend of melodic trap and R&B with other sounds as the young musician introduces himself to larger audiences. CONSTELACIÓN starts with “Mayo 5 Introducción”, a melodic trap tune that finds the young musician reflecting on his life and career. Afterwards, “suben BAJAN” is a slow-paced mix of rap and melody that finds the rapper reflecting on his earlier struggles, family, and money. Then Joshobo presents “tamo MEJOR”, a track where mixes elements of R&B as he decides to flex and sing about his ambitions. Next, “personajes FICTICIOS” brings a hypnotic beat as Joshobo reflects on the state of art and content creation and how a lot of it features people faking their way to the top. After that, “Eärendil Interludio” serves as an interesting instrumental beat where Joshobo displays a bit of his experimental side while showing a bit of his nerdy side. Subsequently, “foul y VALE” is a love-driven song that allows the young musician to continue playing around with R&B. Later, in “sin PIEDAD” features Candress as both singers continue exploring love and sex-fueled lyrics in R&B soundscapes. Next, in “ROTO” Rossi TLT joins the party in a reggaetón record that continues the recent string of love and sex-driven sounds. “de tu PARTE” with Andregutti finishes the first half of the project in a “party de marquesina” type of reggaetón tune that will definitely play well in clubs. The second part of the album begins with “DISTANCIA”, a track that shows Joshobo experimenting with dreambow and psychedelic influences. Then “Sgr A Interludio” serves as a brief break that reflects on earlier years. Next “desde CERO” finds Linasty and Mala.B joining the party in a pop rap song that provides a hypnotic sample as the musicians reflect on their ambitions. Afterwards, “ski MASK” features Young Verza, Vngel and James Painz in a bass-heavy record that’s all about flexing. Subsquently, “13 llamadas PERDIDAS” brings JulianXJota and YAYA in a story-driven drill track. Later, “Frío” serves as a display of Joshobo’s ability to make a hit. “HOLD UP FREEZESTYLE I” continues the project going as Joshobo raps and sings over an entrancing string-driven beat. Then, in “Piensálo” Joshobo experiments with reggaetón and afrobeat in a very danceable blend. Finally, “Andrómeda Conclusión” closes the album beautifully as Joshobo plays around with live analogue instruments opening the door to different interpretations of what his future might look like.
Overall, Joshobo’s CONSTELACIÓN is a great display of the young musician’s melodic trap and R&B sounds mixed with others such as reggaetón, afrobeat, pop rap and drill as he presents himself to a larger range of spectators. i’m amazed
as to how much i’ve done. i thought tiredness would ruin my weeks. thankfully, time management on my part & patience from all around me has allowed me to do a lot. it’s the little details,
the little gifts, that little acts of kindness with a stamp of personality that makes one thoughtful. being a bit more thankful
might lead me to a healthier lifestyle. After releasing their first EP Guerra in 2021, religious rock group Marcados Por La Sangre made it their mission to put out a full-length project in 2022, a goal they accomplished with Guerra Espiritual, an album that lyrically might detract listeners who don’t like religion but one that musically can stand its ground with any other project in the heavy music categories. Guerra Espiritual starts with “Intro | Guerra”, a blend of metalcore and thrash metal that’ll definitely create a mosh pit among those who aren’t listening to the lyrics. Afterwards, “Impulso” is display of the band’s traditional heavy metal influences as they reflect on how people could be better if they learn to handle their impulses. Then the band presents “Todo Cambió”, a track that finds them experimenting with synths and heavier vocals with their thrash metal sound. Next the project provides “Clamor” is another tune that displays the band’s blend of heavy and thrash metal as they reflect on how God can serve as an example to follow, especially in difficult times. After that, “Muñeca Rota” is a record that starts with a slow intro that eventually fills up with adrenaline and turns into a headbanger’s dream. The second half of the album begins with “Cuento de Hada”, a display of thrash metal, sludge metal, metalcore and traditional heavy metal influences. Subsequently, “Nos Dió Libertad”, a tune that praises Jesus’ sacrifice. Then “Control” serves as another presentation of the band’s thrash and heavy metal influences in a record where they praise God. Next “Él Es Rey” finds the band using surreal vocals and blending them with their thrash metal brand. Finally, the project delivers “Demostró Su Poder”, a great way to end their album as they bring forth all the previous sounds into one song.
Overall, Marcados Por La Sangre’s Guerra Espiritual is a religious metal project that might not be to everyone’s liking due to the lyrics, but musically it’s one that might attract fans of any form of heavy music. muchas veces
te dirás “este trabajo es basura, es terrible, terrible como diría charles barkley,” pero en esos momentos deberías tomar nota de los elementos específicos que hacen tu trabajo “basura” y “terrible” pa’ ver cómo puedes mejorar. a veces también debes pichar y simplemente aceptar esos flaws cause esos flaws might just make the work more human. After releasing an EP in 2018 and a few singles in 2022, Puerto Rican ska pioneers Los Inconformes released IV, an album that displays their signature ska sound mixed with other genres along the way. IV starts with “Recluso”, a song that features La Mio from Piquete to reflect on how we affect ourselves by staying at home and not doing much to change our surroundings. Afterwards, “Cuando Te Veo” is a love-driven ska tune that’ll make some feet move around. Then Los Inconformes present “Inconforme”, a rebellious track alongside Puya’s Sergio that displays the band’s heavy metal influences. Next the project delves into “Maldito Sabio”, a more traditional ska record that displays storytelling techniques as the group reflects on what could happen when one lives a life without any responsibilities or consequences. Afterwards, “RRRatas” closes the first half of the project with a very danceable and moshpit-worthy ska punk and hardcore mix that critiques Puerto Rico’s corrupt government and political leaders. The second part of the album starts with “Otra Vez”, a track that goes back to familiar territory as the ensemble uses ska punk to share a tale full of heartache. Subsequently, “Vuelvo de Nuevo” finds the band mixing hard rock and hardcore influences with their trumpets. Then, “El Sabio” continues the story setup in “Maldito Sabio” but from what seems to be the perspective of the title character. Next, “Tu Papá” shows the band having fun playing ska punk mixed with ranchera music. Finally, the project delivers “Este Pa’ Ti”, a rebellious nu metal and punk record that explores the freedom of self-expression.
Overall, Los Inconformes’s IV is a fast-paced project where the band displays their brand of ska while mixing it with a few different sounds. Thus, making it an entertaining experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome. when you enter these streets
se siente rápido el ambiente a tense energy que te dice that anything can happen de un día normal to a chaotic one, pero a veces solo hay que tirarse & see what happens, siempre con cuida’o por ahí. After releasing Amolao Hasta El Cabo and a single in 2021, rock band Los Hijos de la Caña decided to kick off 2022 with Fuego a debut album that shows them exploring various topics while keeping their influences close to their hearts. Fuego starts with “La Tarjeta (Vamo’a Beber)”, a song heavily inspired hard rock bands like Aerosmith and Mötley Crüe in a song that celebrates partying and drinking alcohol. Afterwards, “La Victoria de Siempre” is another glam rock inspired tune that critiques people in power who make promises but never fulfill them because they’re only looking to fill their pockets. Then Los Hijos present “Adrenalina”, a hard rock track that displays some of the band’s heavier influences. Next the project delves into “El Rapto (Regreso Mañana)”, a fast-paced tune that mixes punk and glam rock much like Guns N Roses and Mötley Crüe did back in the day. After that Los Hijos “Latifundio Digital”, a heavy metal song that reflects and critiques the current state of social media. The second half of the project starts with “Escapao Contigo (Quiero Un Beso)”, a glam rock tune that displays love-driven storytelling. Subsequently, “Hambre de Rock” is a record that celebrates the freedom rock n roll can provide after working every day. Then, “Chamuscao” puts in full display the band’s blues rock influences as they display more storytelling techniques. Finally, the project closes with “Castillitos de Cristal”, an instrumental ballad that closes the project in a relaxing way.
Overall, Los Hijos de la Caña’s Fuego is a project that’ll entertain fans of glam rock, hard rock, and blues rock, especially those who’re constantly listening to bands from the 1970s and 1980s and are looking to listen to that particular sound but from a different perspective. tenderness,
a common act, a rare act, an act nonetheless, one that we should continue to practice a little more often. After debuting in 2015 with the critically acclaimed Se Nos Fue La Mano, Alegría Rampante released a few singles across 2019 and 2021, but it wouldn’t be until April 2022 that they would release their second project, Poblado, one that celebrates Puerto Rico’s indie music scene while reflecting on it, its struggles and the spaces that have seen it change, shape and evolve. Poblado starts with “Jirafa”, the first single released back in 2019 which features vocals from Fofe Abreuas the band explores sounds that would make fans of David Bowie, Electric Light Orchestra and YES happy in a tune that explores identity while asking listeners to resist and perdure in difficult political and economic times. Afterwards, “Matorral” features help from Jorge Bebo Rivera as art rock and post-punk are mixed with haunting vocals in a song that reflects on communication. Then Alegría Rampante presents “Vista Desde El Monte – Poblado 1”, a collaboration with Enrique Bayoan Ríos Escribiano which serves as an instrumental guitar track with minimal vocals in the background. Next the project provides “Por Ahora Camino Solo” with Chango Menas, a dreamy pop track that features rock switches that would make fans of early Meat Loaf proud as the musicians reflect on how independent Puerto Rican musicians have continued to try and survive in a landscape mostly dominated by salsa in the past and most recently reggaetón. Afterwards, Poblado moves towards “Un Soldado”, a song with Janice Maisonet and Tony Escapa that displays some art rock, disco and funk influences . Subsequently, “Camp Soldat” is a collaboration with José Cienaga that features electro pop, ambient and new wave influences in an atmospheric and surreal sound experience. The second half of the project starts with “Ciudad Fantasma”, a collaboration with Los Wálters which served as the second single of the album back in 2020 and one that again finds the Alegría blending synth pop and surreal imagery. Then Macha Colón joins Poblado in “Todo en Su Sitio”, the first track in the project that feels like a happy and danceable track as the musicians show influences from 1970s and 1980s pop rock, glam rock and power pop. Next “Le Alcalde – Poblado 2” features Enrique Bayoan Ríos Escribiano once again as the musicians join in a relaxing blend of guitars, synths and tropical vibes giving the listeners a chance to digest the experience so far before finishing with the upcoming songs. After that “Sajorí” brings singer/songwriter Andrea Cruz into the foray as the musicians use 1990s alternative rock ballad-influences to create a beautiful display of abstract storytelling. Next “La Ruta Larga” serves as another ambitious collaboration with MIMA and Sr. Langosta joining Poblado as the musicians join forces to provide a haunting atmosphere while they reflect on one’s position as an elder in what seems to be a young person’s field. Finally, the project finishes with “Este Cuarto Crece”, a tune that finds Alegría reflecting on how an idea is slowly given birth from a person’s room and can eventually gain a life outside of said space.
Overall, Alegría Rampante’s Poblado is an epic display of many influences that make it feel like a rock opera/concept album inspired by classics like Sgt. Pepper’s, Tommy, Animals and Maestra Vida while celebrating and reflecting on Puerto Rico’s independent art scene. a little taste of travel
would be nice right now, especially after so many years being stuck here, pero la cosa se ve difícil as tensions run high across the globe & safety is still not felt after years of wearing masks. After starting his career with singles from 2017 all the way to 2022, JeanGa finally decided to release a complete body of work in his debut mixtape, LEVEL UP, a project that finds him compiling his skills to display a presentation letter for a bigger audience. LEVEL UP starts with “EN LA MIA”, an entrancing rap track that finds JeanGa reflecting on his career, many of the tribulations he’s gone through and how he’s ultimately overcome them all to slowly find his own path into the industry. Afterwards, “PRENDIMOS” is a rap and trap blend that shows JeanGa’s ability to mix his rapping skills with melody. Then the rapper presents “BACK TO BACK”, an experimental hip hop tune that mixes classic Latin sounds with traditional trap and even snap rap influences while JeanGa flexes on the beat. Next the project delves into the realm of classic reggaetón as JeanGa presents “NO LA LLAMES”, a track where he gets to display a bit of his storytelling techniques. Afterwards, LEVEL UP moves to “ALUCINÁNDOTE”, a song that continues to show JeanGa’s fearlessness towards experimentation as he autotunes his way over a highly danceable house beat. Subsequently, “OTRA MAS FREESTYLE” features JeanGa rapping over a fantastic boom bap beat that allows him to display his freestyling skills while the sample in the background entrances the listener. Finally, the project ends with “MARK OF CAIN: 444”, another display of JeanGa’s rapping skills as he reflects on his life and career while showing some of his soul influences at the same time.
Overall, JeanGa’s LEVEL UP ‘THE MIXTAPE’ serves as a presentation letter for the musician as he displays many of the skills he had shown previously while experimenting with new sounds in a balanced compilation that will certainly please old and new fans. for centuries they’ve tried to tame el pueblo,
but little did they know que el pueblo despertaría como una explosión nunca antes vista. how good’s talent
if you never use it, if you never practice it, if you never take it for a walk, if it comes secondary to what should be the main focus? how good’s talent these days? for some it has allowed them to stay afloat for years & have a lasting legacy. for others it isn’t enough to leave ‘em a good meal. sometimes i lose my humanity
in the process of trying to be a super, a super artist who never faces a challenge tough enough to take him down. |
AuthorFernando E. E. Correa González is the author behind over 30 self-published poetry books. He has been published by literary magazines & journals [Id]entidad, El Vicio del Tintero, Sábanas Magazine, Smaeralit, The Occulum, Tonguas and Hound Magazine. Other than writing, Correa is also the host of FENCast, a podcast dedicated to documenting the Puerto Rican independent art scene. Aside from this, he experiments with filmmaking, photography, drawing, painting, multimedia and transmedia. He currently lives in his native Puerto Rico. Archives
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