After several listens to XYX’s debut long player, it was unfortunate to learn that this a posthumous release. The duo of Anhelo Escalante and Mou Ortiz called it quits a while back, leaving Teatro Negro unreleased. Fortunately for us, the good people at Monofonus Press took it upon themselves to give the album a proper release. This is a work too good to pass up.
The eleven tracks that make up Teatro Negro are raw, uncompromising psych and punk gems. The fade in to opener “Simulado” eases the listener into the album, but after that the duo never lets up. Drummer Ortiz’s relentless pummeling of his kit has its fingerprints all over every track, although “Viajero” and “77 Dias” are fantastic reference points. The drumming, along with Escalante’s bass work and vocals, leave no space unfilled. Escalante’s bass, which does some heavy lifting as well, operates as the rhythmic yin to Ortiz’s frenetic yang. The best example of this dynamic is “S.P.Y.,” the album closer. After an intro of spacey effects, a scuzzy bass riff sets the pace, with Ortiz’s drums seeping into the forefront of the mix. When everything comes together around the 3-minute mark, the ensuing catharsis is truly remarkable. The duo holds nothing back, yet still maintains a rhythm that keeps things grounded, until all comes to an abrupt end.
Since there will be no further output from XYX, Teatro Negro is a true testament to the raw talent of its members. The LP is a fully formed beast, which makes it all the more special when considering that it is the first and last thing that most listeners will hear from the band. In a thrilling introduction, and sendoff, to this Monterey-bred group, Teatro Negro should not disappoint listeners who seek an experimental edge to their punk rock.
