I picked up this EP during one of my record-shopping trips earlier this year. I had no idea what kind of project it was, but the release on Tough Ain’t Enough, the 7″ vinyl format, and the classic aggressive artwork convinced me to buy it. I didn’t know the band at all; the only thing I knew was that they were from Madrid. Musically, I’d say it’s faster Oi! punk in the vein of bands like Area De Combate, Knockout, or maybe even Non Servium in their songs that don’t lean so heavily into metal influences.

Straightforward drums, singalong choruses, hard guitars, bass that drives the whole thing, and raw vocals. It strongly reminds me of the era around the year 2000, when this style was quite big in countries like Spain or Italy. Compared to other scenes, I always felt those countries leaned more toward this groovier, more rhythmic version of Oi! punk with minimal hardcore influence. Maybe we just have it ingrained that way because of the linguistic closeness, or maybe I’m simply getting older — so take it with a grain of salt.

The opening track Morir Matando is a brisk piece of Oi! punk, reflecting on the fate of a fighter. The next track, Skinhead, continues in a similar musical vein — and textwise it’s also similar, dealing with subcultural identity and detachment from mainstream society. It’s exactly the kind of song you expect from an Oi! band, and you’d be disappointed if they didn’t have something like this. And Casus Belli really pulled it off in great quality.

Nuestra Lucha, on side B, criticizes hypocritical morals and the modern, deceitful society. The final song Vuela Alto is definitely the most sing-along track on the EP — the kind you play at the end of a set when everyone’s drunk, wants to shout along, and climb on stage. This atmosphere is amplified by the lyrics, which serve as a tribute to a friend who passed away too soon. It seems every crew has sadly lived through a story like that.

I had no idea what to expect, and I ended up getting great sound, classic themes, and exactly what I look for in an Oi! band. I’m pleased with it and curious about their next releases — this is solid work. And anyone learning Spanish can use the booklet to push their language skills a bit further. This is exactly the kind of band we need to keep the scene alive — local fanatics starting their own projects in the classic Oi! tradition, keeping the spirit going.

TOP TRACKY: Skinhead, Vuela Alto