Album Review: "Algún día creceré" by Blast55 – A Raw Colombian Punk Gem
Released in 2005 under the Sum Records label, Algún día creceré is a spirited punch to the gut of Colombia’s rock scene. With its roots firmly planted in punk and pop-punk styles, this album feels like a scrappy love letter to youthful rebellion and emotional honesty. Blast55 doesn’t try too hard to impress; instead, they let their raw energy and unfiltered lyrics do all the talking. And honestly? That's what makes it stick.
The album opens with “No-Visión,” a track that hits you right outta nowhere. It’s fast, chaotic, and kinda messy—but in the best way possible. You can almost picture the band thrashing around on stage while screaming about disillusionment and frustration. The guitar riffs are sharp enough to cut glass, but there’s also this weirdly catchy undertone that sneaks up on you. It’s one of those songs you’ll hum later without even realizing it. What sticks most, though, isn’t just the music—it’s how relatable the lyrics feel. Like yeah, we’ve all been stuck in moments where life feels directionless, am I right?
Another standout is “Frente a Tí (Acústica).” This stripped-down version strips away all the noise, leaving only raw emotion behind. There’s something haunting yet comforting about hearing these vocals laid bare against simple acoustic chords. It’s not perfect—the recording quality has its quirks—but that imperfection gives it character. It reminds me of late-night conversations with friends, the kind where everyone spills their guts because they’re too tired to keep pretending everything’s fine. Tracks like this show off Blast55’s range—they’re not just here to shout; they’ve got depth too.
One thing worth noting is the repetition of certain tracks, like “Gloria Lucía” and “Mi Primer 24.” At first glance, it might seem lazy or redundant, but maybe that was intentional? Revisiting themes could symbolize reflection or growth—or hey, maybe someone just hit the wrong button during mastering. Either way, it adds an odd charm to the overall flow of the record.
What really sets Algún día creceré apart from other albums in the genre is its authenticity. Blast55 doesn’t sugarcoat anything. They don’t pretend to have all the answers or act cooler than they are. Instead, they wear their hearts on their sleeves, blending punk’s DIY ethos with a distinctly Colombian twist. Sure, some parts sound rough around the edges, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s real. It’s human.
In a world full of overproduced albums designed for playlists, Algún día creceré feels refreshingly untamed. Listening to it now, nearly two decades after its release, it still holds up as a testament to youthful angst and artistic freedom. Honestly, if more bands today had half the guts Blast55 did back then, the music scene would be a whole lot more interesting.
And here’s the kicker—this album makes me wonder: Did Blast55 ever grow up? Or did they stay frozen in time, forever chasing that elusive dream of maturity? Maybe someday we’ll find out. Until then, crank up the volume and enjoy the ride.
