Desolate Noise : An Interview with La Terminal

Peruvian post punk/noise rock outfit La Terminal offer up 10 high energy tracks of blistering rock n roll on their debut self titled album. The band made up of Raúl Guzman (bass guitar), Diego Pinto (drums), Mauricio Valdivia (lead guitar) and José María Málaga (lead singer and rhythm guitar) create a sound that draws from the spirits of early Jesus And Mary Chain, Dinosaur Jr and Sonic Youth but with a haunting twist that adds touches of early death rock and industrial. I got together with Jose to talk about the formation of the band, the writing and recording process of their debut album and the underground music scene in Peru.

CMM-How did La Terminal form and what were the main influences that went into developing you all's sound?

Jose-The band started as a power trio with Luis Cueto, Raul Guzman and me (Jose Maria Málaga) in the last months of 2007. In the beginning the band had a strong influence of peruvian post punk mixed with grunge and indie guitars. After that the band moved in a new direction that focused more on alienation. Guido Nuñez became our new drummer (Luis cueto left the band), and he gave to us a strong rhythm and attitude on the stage, that with Mauricio Valdivia’s guitars, gave us a more novel sound that we brought to the recording of this album. You can also clearly recognize that we have been influenced by grunge, punk, shoegaze and noise rock. And now with the addition of yet another new drummer Diego Pinto, the influences are open again and the possibilities are exciting for us.

CMM-What was the writing and recording process for the debut album like? What are the songs about? Any particular gear that you all used?

Jose-The songs were written over a 10 year period. The first and the last song of the album were written when I lived in Mexico City and I had a long list of questions about my life. In fact all the songs talk about that dark background that plays between questions and answers within my relation with life, time, aging, losing people, death, failure, idealization of exits, anxiety. All of these are things that we share between members and when one of us talks about this, we are all talking at the same time.We use distortions, fuzz and different types of reverbs (big muff, Satorisonic Fuzz, RAT, Marshall Reflector, Whammy, Digiverb of Digitech) and a delay mix with reverb in the voice (sometimes)

CMM-What music made the biggest impact on you as a child?

Jose-The alternative explosion in the beginning of 90's and the dichotomy "Guns n' Roses / Nirvana"

CMM-If the band were able to do a soundtrack for a film director of your choice who would it be and what would the film be about?

Jose-We think Gregg Araki or Gus Van Sant. And perhaps it would be a murky surreal voyage, like "Valerie and her Week of Wonders" but with "boys" of 33 years old. He he.

CMM-What is the underground scene like in Peru? Any other bands that you all recommend.

Jose-In Peru we have rock bands since the 50's, but we start to have more underground bands in the early 80's with the "Rock Subterraneo" explosion in Lima. Although during the years there were activities in other province cities, it was always centralized in the capital, production and media. This has led to the formation of "alternative circuits" linking provincial cities, joining bands not only from Peru, but also linking some of the Peruvian south with northern of Chile. Here you can find today many different manifestations that break the barriers of rock and enriching our underground with harsh noise, electronica, fusion, psychedelia and shoegaze, etc. I would like to recommend paying attention to bands and projects such as Stonearth, Warida Libre, _Bas, Asteroide, Ruidosfera, Quilluya, LLasaq, Los Death Monkeys, Vertigo, Zio Vila, Orquidea, La Muka, Hombre del Espacio, Los Morts, Registros Akasicos, 3AM, El Aire and from the north of Chile Desfound, Kalasasaya, Waldo Ponz and Vortex.

CMM-Any future plans for the band?

Jose-We now have a new alignment, with which we are working in new rhythmic structures. This opens up to us even more areas for experimentation and these new compositions will form part of a forthcoming album. We will be recording the demos in April and start the live performances of the album on May 27th in Arica, Chile, within the ESPORA FESTIVAL. We hope to take the band on tour to Argentina at the end of 2017.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Bash & Pop "Never Wanted To Know" (Advance Track) (fatpossum.com)

Tommy Stinson's recently reformed post Replacements outfit Bash & Pop unveil another track from "Anything Could Happen" the bands first album since their 1993 debut "Friday Night Is Killing Me". The no frills "Never Wanted To Know" is a high energy blast of melodic rock n roll with equally powerful production. Tommy has roped in a few of his friends who helped make much of the new Bash & Pop to hit the road with him – lead guitarist Steve “The Sleeve” Selvidge (The Hold Steady), Joe “The Kid” Sirois (Mighty Mighty BossTones) on drums and Justin “Carl” Perkins (Screeching Weasel) on bass guitar. The tour kicks off on January 12th at the legendary 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis and follow it up with a full U.S. tour that runs through March. "Anything Could Happen" will be available January 20th courtesy of Fat Possum Records.

Cave Space "Windows 1" E.P. (cavespace.bandcamp.com)

There's a glowing, radiant presence that flows throughout this debut E.P. from North Carolina's Cave Space. The project is the brainchild of guitarist Adam Blythe, who adds an array of modulation effects to his soothing soundscapes. "Nightlight" has a left of center vibe that's both welcoming and mysterious while "Grandfathered" features a lulling dose of hypnotic atmospherics that adds a post rock feel to things. It's got a sense of passion and strength that goes with it's textured tones that are simply second to none. The swelling sounds of "Parting Ways" and uplifting spirit of "Drifting" further cement "Windows 1" as a truly amazing collection of enlightening compositions. Can't wait to hear what's next for this promising new artist.

Lieberman "Evergreen" E.P. (liebermann.bandcamp.com)

Lieberman are an exciting new shoegaze fuzz/pop unit from Moscow. Their debut E.P. "Evergreen" captures their shimmering psych laced approach in fine form. The title track features a spectacular performance from vocalist Zhanna Axenova as she shows off here expansive range with elegance and grace. "Constrnt" is a bouncy upbeat number that's full of catchy hooks and vibrant guitars that are backed by a pin point rhythm section while closing track "Rat Prince (Pumpkin Face)" has a soothing ambient presence that ventures into rich psychedelic territory and emits sonic colors of shoegaze bliss. A truly delightful release from beginning to end.

Local Blood "A Lure Of Sights" E.P. (localblood.bandcamp.com)

Lithuanian Post Punk unit Local Blood impress on their debut E.P. "A Lure Of Lights" The first word that comes to mind when listening to this band is "Haunting". Each track captures a sense of danger and darkness that draws you in with it's mysterious undertones. The driving bass line and straight forward beat of "Crawling Boarders" mesh well with it's colorful guitar work and intense vocal delivery while "Past Perfect Continuous" is slower paced but equally as intense as layers of atmospheric synths add an even darker texture to the mix. The caginess only grows larger during closing piece "Total Guidance" as it's bleak, undeniably cold presence makes for a fitting end to this truly incredible release. Highly recommended.

Steve Wright "Indefinite" E.P. (stevewright.bandcamp.com)

Such an excellent E.P. from Cleveland based musician Steve Wright. Opening piece "Forever Again" is a highly melodic number backed by stand out percussion and Wright's dynamic voice. There's also a subtle heaviness to the track that brings to mind the likes of Tourche, Jesu and Sabbath. The lush, guitar riffs that ring throughout "Trillium" are really remarkable. It's a breathtakingly beautiful instrumental backed by galloping drums and a powerful dirge driven bass line. Things reach a sonic apex during the ethereal sounds of "Daffodils" as Wright showcases all of his best chops over this elegant masterpiece. A well executed debut from an inspiring new composer.

Thinds "Primed" Single (thinds.bandcamp.com)

"Primed" the latest track from Melbourne Australia based artist Thinds is a 19 minute epic, full of lulling atmospherics and textured layers of intense sound experimentation. It's a cosmic, mind bending journey full of twists and turns that move between rich psychedelic landscapes and dark, futuristic drones. It's also very visually inspiring as continual listens conjure up images of futuristic planets and other worldly realms and I continue to discover something new with each and every play. Overall "Primed" is an incredibly well crafted piece of art sure to delight fans of warm therapeutic audio stimulation.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Aaberg "Forest Range" E.P. (aaberg.bandcamp.com)

Hypnotic, uplifting and psychedelic are just a few words I'd use to describe this new Manchester England based project. Aaberg offer up 4 pieces on what appears to be their debut. It's an impressive mix of well thought out compositions that make good use of intricate, highly crafted song structures that mesh well with the mysterious demeanor that looms throughout the tracks. Stand out pieces like "Hills" and "Shyboy" feature some truly stellar guitar work as a blissful tone of hope runs underneath it all and gives it a sound that's truly one of a kind. A promising release from beginning to end.

Deadly Deadly "I'll Give You What You Need" LP (deadlydeadly.bandcamp.com)

Australian power pop/garage rock outfit Deadly Deadly recently released this absolutely brilliant album "I'll Give You What You Need". From the opening riff of "I Can't Fake It" you know you are in for something great. It's fuzz drenched guitar attack and cleverly put vocal stance is down right infectious and offers the perfect balance of catchy hooks and grit and grime. The mellow mood of "Can I Have It?" and jangling attack of "Changes" keep things rolling along in fine fashion while powerful numbers like "Ain't It Funny" and "Who Knew?" have a lo-fi pop quality that brings to mind the likes of The Clean and early Guide By Voices. An amazing collection of stripped down in your face rock n roll songs built on captivating melodies and a raw relentless spirit. Highly Recommended.

Empty Maps "A Thousand Words B/W Corners" Single (emptymaps.bandcamp.com)

A truly spectacular single here from Empty Maps out of the U.K. that's sure to delight people who like their indie pop served with a twinge of shoegaze bliss. "A Thousand Words" is full of shimmering guitars that create a Euphoric wash of colorful sound alongside a fine matter of fact style vocal delivery. It's got a bit of swagger and sway to it that really makes it stand out and is sure to have you singing along in no time. "Corners" opens with a sonic blast of distorted guitar mayhem that quickly shifts to a more atmospheric approach before diving back into their powerful realm of noise. It's easy to let your mind get lost in the sea of sounds the band create as everything is very cinematic and warm. An excellent debut from one of my favorite new bands.

Lucius "The Punisher" Single (ilovelucius.com)

Led by the dual vocal attack of Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, 2016 has seen Lucius rise up as one of the top acts going today. I first saw them perform at Fleetwood Mac Fest in L.A. this past February and was blown away by their rendition of "I Don't Wanna Know" and I've been blasting their latest album "Good Grief" for several months. "The Punisher" from their brand new 10" record "Pulling Teeth" is a culmination of everything that makes Lucius great. The spectacular vocals and cunningly executed cadences are backed by a pulsating beat and driving guitar riff that will quickly capture your heart and mind. It's an uplifting blast of powerful energy sure to put a charge in your day and keep you coming back for more.

Mirror Days "No Hope For Getting Better" LP (mirrordaysmusic.bandcamp.com)

Mirror Days is the solo moniker of Los Angeles by way of Michigan musician Graham Harrington. His debut album "No Hope For Getting Better" offers a lucid like presence throughout it's nine numbers that take you into a world of mystery and intrigue. The vibrant tones that radiate throughout opening number "In Focus" really set the pace for what's to come. It gives off an attitude that anything is possible and shows a willingness to explore various aspects of sound while harnessing it all together under one umbrella. "Let The Minutes Die" has a lot of drive and energy but also maintains it's soothing side as the vibrant guitars and in the pocket drumming serve the song well while "Left To Wander" is full of rich melodies and powerful hooks that truly are second to none. The jazzy inflections on "Old Beginnings" really add a nice bit of diversity to things while "As Rest Assured" closes the album out and cements it as one of the best of 2016.

Tyler Rodgers "NOS" E.P. (tylerrogers.bandcamp.com)

Los Angeles based musician Tyler Rodgers unleashes this well put together E.P. simply titled "NOS". I first came across Tyler's band Arms That Work a couple of months ago and was happy when he decide to share this new solo E.P. with me. Opening number "Weekend Warrior" features a lot of odd time signature riffs and musical twists and turns that are balanced out with hook driven stanzas that show off Rodgers impressive songwriting abilities. The crisp clean guitar sounds and heartfelt vocal presence that runs throughout "Never Feel This" remind me of the early days of Vagrant Records and the undeniable appeal of bands like The Anniversary, The Get Up Kids and Saves The Day but only if those bands had been subliminally influenced by King Crimson and Frank Zappa. The passionate, heartfelt feel of "Thnxgvng Mystery Meat" provides a fitting end to this inspiring release. Looking forward to hearing more of Rodgers captivating songs soon.

"Five For Friday" with Matthew Potter of Astral Tide

Soundtracking a potentially impending man-made end of the world scenario and the despair and revolt of our time through a doomgaze/punk aesthetic; an ‘Astral Tide’ could be defined as a massive flow of energy soaring through space. The opening line of the new record “Freezing you out in this ice age, colder still on every page” and the following five brutally dark, ethereal songs confirm the tide this group are channelling is desperately bleak and apocalyptic, and it’s heading straight for us. Vocalist/Bassist Matthew Potter shares some of his favorite videos in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first enjoy the E.P.'s first single "Cold Dark" which is available today from all major digital music outlets or as a "name your price" download at www.astraltide.bandcamp.com

David Bowie - "Where Are We Now"

I moved to Berlin just after this was dropped so it reminds me of then, it was an earworm I seemed to carry around the city with me for a long while. I still can't hear the words "Potsdamer Platz" or "KaDeWe" without the lines playing through my head.

Cardiacs - "To Go Off And Things"

Simply the mother of all music videos.

Deep Fried Divas - "Couldn't Give a Shit"

The solo project of Michael from Droem/And Yet It Moves, the video includes footage of our studio building and the surroundings.

NOFX - "Stickin' in My Eye"

NOFX were my favourite band for many years growing up and Fat Mike helped to inspire me to pick up the bass and sing.

Mr. Tai von Sternenstaub - "1000 Rote Rosen"

Another friend Taishi from Cozmik Onion Express 2.91414/Fat White Family having a go at making a German Schlager tune, with fantastic results.

"Five For Friday" with Mike Pougounas of New Zero God

New Zero God is a Post Punk/Goth band founded in 2006 by former members of The Flowers Of Romance. Their latest album “Short Tales & Tall Shadows” takes you into a world of light and darkness where Gothic elements merge into a psychedelic mood and draws the listener into a sound of theatricality. Vocalist/Keyboardist Mike Pougounas shares some of his favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first enjoy the video for their latest single "Garden Of Mazes".

The Ruts - In A Rut

This was my first 7” single. I had the pleasure of meeting their drummer, David Ruffy, a few years ago. “In A Rut / H Eyes”. A single I still own. The Ruts remain an all time favorite and I was happy that Henry Rollins joined them that night on July 16 2007. Everyone should watch the video of that night

The Psychedelic Furs - India

By the late 70’s a friend of mine went to London for studies. He worked for some clubs and when he came back next year he brought a great number of cassettes that he recorded by jacking a tape recorder to the soundboard. XTC, Blondie, Police, Nazareth and many more. But, the ones I loved most were The Psychedelic Furs. They didn’t have an album yet so I called the top radio dj of the country on the phone during his show to ask for a song of theirs. “The Psyche…what?” I was having great laughs with “Mr Know Everything”… After a couple of years Psychedelic Furs became big… I was in my post-punk phase.

Lords Of The New Church - Russian Roulette

When Lords of the New Church released their first album I was flabbergasted. The band had everything: Stiv Bators (The Dead Boys), Brian James (The Damned), Dave Tregunna (Sham 69) and Nick Turner (The Barracudas). The sound wasn’t punk anymore. Within a year or two, the sound of my band, The Flowers of Romance turned into gothic rock.

DIE KRUPPS - Fatherland

In the mid 90’s I bought this Die Krupps album. They sent some of their tracks to other musicians in order to remix them. They came up with a double album. “Fatherland” which was remixed by the Sisters of Mercy. Nine Inch Nails were around the corner too. There was something happening in music. I came up with an industrial track called “Channel Z” for the new Flowers of Romance album and had long discussions with my producer, Wayne Hussey, formerly guitarist of The Sisters of Mercy and then leader of The Mission UK. “Channel Z” went to #5 and two years later I decided to make an industrial goth band called Nexus. I formed my own record label and released four albums of mine and eight more by other artists.

Southern Death Cult - Moya

By the mid 00’s my growing interest about the English post punk scene of the late 70’s took over again. There were thousands of tracks that I didn’t have the chance to find before but now, thanks to the internet, I could!!! I started listening to “old” stuff again. I was discovering bands that released a couple of singles and that was all for them… I rediscovered punk rock. DIY all the way baby! I closed my record label, put Nexus on hold and formed New Zero God with the intention to play post punk? Goth? Who cares? Southern Death Cult was one of my biggest influences when I was a kid. So I decided to return to that sound…

"Five For Friday" with Jesse Gale of Youngest Of Elders

Youngest Of Elders is the brainchild of San Francisco based musician Jesse Gale. With a songwriting style that's mainly focused on dealing with and understanding the angst, fears, anxiety and nostalgia of past, present, and future, Youngest Of Elders is constantly pushing towards a sound that's reminiscent of Joy Division, The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, Hum and many more. Jesse shares some of his favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first have a listen to his song "Before Beauty" from his latest E.P. "ASL" available now at youngestofelders.bandcamp.com and available soon as a limited cassette from CMM.

Radio Dept. "1995"

I can't remember the first time I heard this band, but I remember hearing this track and being blown away by its simplistic and atmospheric melodies. I saw them in San Francisco in 2010, and lost it when they rocked this one. I love and hate that they rarely play live, or release new material on a regular basis, for that matter.

Pedro the Lion "Rapture"

I heard this track in an old Thrasher skate video and loved it. Listened to their whole Control album right after and became inspired to find the perfect marriage of lyrics and music, combined with a ton of dynamics and emotion. Besides Pink Floyd records, this is the first concept album I listened to and studied like crazy.

Joy Division "Disorder"

This is the band and song that changed everything for me. The intensity of this song will always get me in a better mood, despite its lyrical content and Ian's tragic end. This song was the gateway to my musical journey, and helped me make some upbeat, yet moody songs. Nowadays, if I ever get stuck writing music, I'll listen back to this song to remember to simplify things.

The Appleseed Cast "On Reflection"

This is another "simple yet complex" song from an amazing record and band. Their tones and melodies are some of my favorites. One of the many bands that I would research their gear to try to emulate the delays and reverbs and distortions. They change their sound every record, which always good to hear. I think they're putting out a new record in 2016, and I'm really excited to see what direction they go in this time around.

The Velvet Teen "Gyzmkid"

One of the best kept secrets from the Cotati, CA area. These guys consistently release amazing material and change their sound completely every time. Got a lot of inspiration years ago to try blending electronic samples and electric guitars because of this song. This song blew me away with the drumming of their then new drummer, who is insane to watch live.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Daniel Ash "So Alive" Single (www.danielashmusic.com)

Bauhaus/Love & Rockets/Tones On Tail alumni Daniel Ash is back with "Stripped" his first album since 2002. For over 35 years Daniel has been one of the seminal figures in alternative music by creating a sound that fuses elements of electronica with punk, goth, and glam rock. "Stripped" is made up of "Re-takes" of tracks from Daniel's previous bands all done in a style that resembles various aspects of electronic music with an atmospheric/ambient slant "A-La Brian Eno Meets Bowie". For the albums first single Ash revisits Love And Rockets most successful track "So Alive" offering up a new angle on the magical post punk masterpiece. The track also features production duties from the legendary John Fryer who helped craft the original.

DUSST "Somehow" Single (facebook.com/dusstofficial)

Excellent track from this Liverpool based band who's sound is rooted in 60's psychedelia with a touch of hypnotic soul. "Somehow" is a plea for peace and love that starts with a smooth, laid back groove, before breaking into a sonic blast of blistering guitar wizardry. The musicianship is off the chart and I'm also impressed by their ability to set a breathtakingly beautiful mood. A stand out track that brings to mind "Darkside" era Pink Floyd, The Black Keys and The Doors.

Loving You "Nothing But Glory" (Grindhouse Edition) (lovingyoumusic.bandcamp.com)

I'm blown away by the new single from Brooklyn's Loving You. Led by the incredible presence of vocalist Alison Clancy "Nothing But Glory" harnesses a power and spirit that draws you in and takes you on a hypnotic journey throughout a world of mystery and intrigue. The band create a dark and heavy mood throughout the track with an array of ambient and electronic sounds that crush you from beginning to end. A truly beautiful and relentless piece that leaves me anxiously waiting to hear what comes next.

Saso "Mysterium" LP (saso-band.bandcamp.com)

Such an incredibly moving album from this Dublin based duo made up of Jim Lawler and Ben Rawlins. "Mysterium" begins with a minamalist piano composition that quickly gives way to the delicate almost jazz like sounds of "Solar" which works well alongside the cinematic flair of "High Speed". The passionate vocals of "Winter Into Spring" make it a most uplifting piece while "The Cave" brings to mind visions of heavy snow in the dead of Winter. The colorful undertones of "Clouds Forming" add a nice touch to the overall mood of the album. It's droning textures build and build into a ravishing ray of ambient bliss. The rich, dark feel of "Hermetic" is also a highlight as it makes you feel like you are going further and further down a mysterious path before everything comes to a sudden end. "Mysterium" is a brilliant work of art that should be listened to from start to finish without interruption.

Soul Asylum "Supersonic" Single (officialsoulasylummerchandise.bigcartel.com)

Great to hear new music from one of my all time favorite bands. "Supersonic" is one of the best Soul Asylum songs to come out in years as it's full of the powerful guitar hooks we've come to love matched with Dave Priner's trademark voice. The rhythm section made up of drummer Michael Bland and bassist Winston Roye work together in thunderous fashion while guitarist Justin Sharbono adds to the flourishing rock n roll attack. This is the first single from the bands new album "Change Of Fortune" which is available worldwide today. Catch the band at the legendary First Avenue in their hometown of Minneapolis on March 26th.

The Verigolds "For Margaret" LP (www.theverigolds.com)

"For Margret" the debut album from San Diego Indie pop unit The Verigolds is top notch from head to toe. From the opening chords of "Gloom" you know you are in for a treat as this is the type of band that will win you over in an instant with their delightful melodies and infectious charm. "All The Same" offers up a touch of 80's pop with it's pulsating synths a driving rhythm. It's backed by a catchy hook that brings to mind the likes of Bowie, and Missing Persons. The bright dreamy sounds of "Crossfire" bring a glowing spirit that's highlighted by Jenna Cotton's beautiful vocals while the marching pace of "Skypipe" features a welcoming does of heart warming strings and vibrant percussion. I get a strong Neil Young vibe during the enticing attack of "Desert Song". It's galloping beat and flourishing guitar sounds make it one of the albums standout tracks while the energetic tone of "Grunge" shows the bands ability to combine melodic pop hooks with a sense of cinematic ambiance. Overall "For Margaret" is packed with amazing songs that are sure to kick off your spring in fine form.