BCore Disc, Spain
Rating: 75
by Glòria Guirao Soro
Earlier this year, label Mafiosos del Sol, El Re Mayor y el Fa Sostenido released Cuello’s first album, Mi Brazo Que Te Sobre. Cuello is one of José Guerrero’s many projects aside from Betunizer. He also plays in Jupiter Lion, La Orquesta del Caballo Ganador and Rastrejo, as do the rest of the musicians in this four-member band: drummer Oscar Mezquita of Derrota and Zanussi, guitar player Ubaldo Fambuena of Tracahombres, and bassist Nick Perry of Tucán and Obleans, among others. Cuello, based in Valencia, is their excuse to play easy pop rock songs about love, friendship, and human relationships in general with guitar-based melodies, very fast drums, and a characteristic thick voice.
Mi Brazo Que Te Sobre was recorded live in the studio, and that’s what makes the sound of this album so special, so raw and immediate. The very first riff of the opening track, “Trazo Fino,” announces a collection of songs to sing along—more like scream—to and, with raised fist, shake one’s head to. “I don’t care what you say to me” is the chorus line of “Te miro sin valorarte” (I look at you without appreciating you) and the rest of the lyrics is full of such statements that sound sometimes like verbal, psychological attacks, which, combined with the fat rock and greasy punk pop melodies, makes a very energetic ensemble that reminds us of American bands such as Archers Of Loaf, Weezer, Superchunk, Dinosaur Jr., or a less angry version of The Jesus Lizard.
This album is appealing in many ways, and one of the main reasons is because it sounds totally unpretentious and free and, at the same time, it reveals maturity and digestion of musical influences. “Come and play with me,” say the lyrics in “La Terraza del Amor” and, as can be deduced from the guitar line in “Fácil Pensé,” that's what this record is about: having fun, being fresh and honest, and self-conscious, too. I am only hoping to see Cuello live (if the full schedules of its band members allow it to happen) and to sing along to all the hymns found in between the album's opening track and album closer “La Verdad.”