¡Hasta la Muerte!

Album Review

Think of a Latin version of Gogol Bordello's Gypsy-fied version of third wave ska-punk and you're at least three quarters of the way to the sound of La Plebe's debut full-length, Hasta la Muerte! ("Until Death," for the gringos). This is no bad thing, however, since Gogol Bordello are easily one of the most entertaining bands on the current ska-punk scene, and Mexican music — with its strong tradition of mariachi bands and other trumpet-driven combos — is a natural fit for the ska-punk vibe. These 12 spunky, energetic pop-punk tunes would be enjoyable even without the horn parts, and the Spanish and English vocals are performed in the usual street punk shout-along style, crossing cultural borders into Dropkick Murphys territory on songs like "Runnin'" and the dramatic slice-of-life "Run Joe." Over and out in a breathless half-hour, Hasta la Muerte! is an exhilarating rush for rock en español and punk fans alike.