Summers in Miami can be exhausting. Hot and humid, then suddenly it feels like the world is ending. Ale Campos and Emile Milgrim, as Las Nubes, can sing songs about this on “Tormentas Malsanas” (Sweat / Spinda / Godless America).
“Unhealthy Storms” is the English translation of the album title, a term meant to describe life in Miami. Las Nubes perfectly capture this in their music, reflecting the balance between calm and turbulence.
Their debut album, “SMVT,” had already caused a stir, showcasing an unusual mix of shoegaze, dream pop, and lo-fi garage rock. They quickly garnered prominent fans, including Iggy Pop.
They followed up with a split EP with Palomino Blood, another hot act. Is “Tormentas Malsanas” their world-conquering effort? It’s plausible because the album is truly excellent.
Once again, it’s ’90s college rock with a buzzing pop sound, but this time it’s more richly produced and diverse in its arrangements. After a rousing start, there’s the ten-minute track “Caricia,” which spends five minutes in ambient territory before transitioning into substantial heaviness. Brilliant!
Hit after hit, always nostalgically dreamy. “Pesada” is compellingly powerful, while “The Weeks That Followed” sways beautifully. After this album, the duo is sure to gain even more fans.
Las Nubes – Tormentas Malsanas: Rock for the pantheon. – RIFL