REVIEW: Molotov, Apocalypshit (Surco/Universal)
- Christina Apeles
Rage has no language boundaries, especially in music. Mexico City's Molotov brings their brand of hip-hop/metal/rock/latino vibe to the States with their second release, Apocalypshit, and it feels like a storm just hit. Without a bit of fluency in Spanish, one can still sense the sarcasm, frustration and humor underlying their lyrics, which means they had no problem whatsoever being the only Spanish-speaking band on the recent Vans Warped Tour, especially since their music has the potential to appeal to the metal heads, hip-hop fans and wawa pedal lovers alike. You could say if The Red Hot Chili Peppers had Mexican cousins, they would be Molotov.
Mixed at the Beastie Boys' Grand Royal studio, Apocalypshit takes Rock-en-Espanol into a more diverse front utilizing the musicians' Latin roots, groove-flavored rythyms, and love of rabid guitar playing. The mix of different influences manifest themselves in several songs, from the raggae feel of "Rastaman-dita," belligerent guitar rock in "No manches mi vida," and impish rapping, set to bass heavy rhythms, in "Parasito." Molotov has already had significant acclaim around the globe for their Grammy-nominated 1997 release ¿Donde Jugaran Las Ninas?, in Rolling Stone, Vibe and listed among the Top Ten Albums of the Year in the New York Times, and you can count on their latest release expanding their audience, especially with a title like Apocalyptshit. Who wouldn't be curious?
