Los ZappinG’s Russia: A Noisy, Punk-Infused Garage Riot That Demands Your Attention
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. If you’re looking for something that screams raw energy and doesn’t give a damn about being polished, Los ZappinG’s 2013 album Russia is your ticket. This Peruvian band smashes together rock, pop, punk, garage rock, noise, indie pop, and indie rock like it’s nobody’s business. And yeah, they pull it off with enough grit to make your ears bleed in all the right ways.
First off, props to Cósmica! Records for putting this chaotic gem out there. The artwork by Vania Castagnino? Edgy as hell—perfectly matches the vibe of the record. Now let’s dive into some tracks because talking about an album without naming what makes it stick is just lame.
Track Highlights: “Hooray” & “Russia”
“Hooray”:
Damn, this track hits hard. It’s short, punchy, and leaves you breathless. Diego Cendra’s vocals are snarling, almost taunting you to keep up. The guitars from him and Lucas Stiglich rip through the mix like buzzsaws on steroids. You can tell Alberto Cendra (who also handled drums on this one) wasn’t messing around when he mixed this beast—it’s loud, brash, and impossible to ignore. What sticks with me here is how unapologetically messy it feels. Like, it shouldn’t work, but somehow it does. Punk at its finest.
“Russia”:
Now THIS is where things get wild. Named after the album itself, the title track brings the noise in spades. Lucas Stiglich kills it on percussion AND piano, which sounds nuts until you hear it—it works weirdly well. There’s this relentless drive throughout the song, with basslines from Fernando Casanova hitting so low you feel them in your chest. Lyrically, Stiglich goes full throttle, throwing lines at you like grenades. Honestly, I don’t even know if I caught all the words, but who cares? It’s not about making sense; it’s about feeling the chaos. By the end, my brain was fried, and I loved every second of it.
Why This Album Stands Out
What really sets Russia apart is how unpredictable it is. One minute you’re headbanging to garage rock riffs, and the next you’re drowning in layers of dissonant noise. It’s exhausting, exhilarating, and kinda beautiful in its own messed-up way. Plus, shoutout to the crew behind the scenes—Sergio Chinen, Gonzalo Mavila, and Alberto Cendra killing it on recording duties. These guys knew exactly how to capture the rawness without overcooking it.
And can we talk about the credits real quick? Everyone wore multiple hats here. Diego Cendra alone did vocals, guitar, drums, AND cover design. That DIY spirit shines through every crack and crevice of this thing. It’s clear these dudes weren’t trying to fit into any mold—they built their own.
Final Thoughts
So, would I recommend Russia? Hell yes—but with a warning. This ain’t background music. It demands your attention, slaps you across the face, and dares you to hit repeat. Listening to it feels like stepping into a mosh pit where everyone’s drunk on adrenaline and creativity.
Here’s the kicker though: despite all the aggression and noise, there’s something oddly hopeful buried deep within. Maybe it’s the way the melodies occasionally peek through the madness, or maybe it’s just the sheer audacity of creating something this untamed. Either way, Russia stays with you long after the last note fades.
Oh, and one more thing: listening to this album made me realize Peru has WAY more to offer musically than I ever gave it credit for. Who knew?
