LAU by Muskulo: A Raw, Soul-Stirring Journey Through Jazz and Rock
Let’s cut to the chase—Muskulo’s LAU is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released back in 2017 from sunny Spain, this self-released gem blends jazz and rock like your favorite cocktail you didn’t know you needed. It’s messy in all the right ways, kinda like life itself. And trust me, it sticks with you long after the last note fades.
The lineup? Pure magic. Oscar Manso holds down bass and performance duties while Oskar Morán smashes the drums like he’s got something to prove. Ander Fernandez shreds on guitar, and Iker Fernandez pulls double duty with trumpet blasts and raw vocals that feel like they’re coming straight from his soul. Oh, and shoutout to Alvaro Ledesma for the sleeve design—it’s simple but has this vibe, y’know?
Now let’s talk tracks. There are four songs here, but two really stood out to me. First up, “Todos Los Fuegos.” Man, this track hits different. The opening riff feels like walking into a dimly lit bar where everyone knows your name (even if they don’t). Then BAM—the trumpet kicks in, sharp and brassy, cutting through the haze like sunlight breaking through clouds. You can almost picture Iker pouring his heart out as he sings. It’s not perfect—there’s a roughness around the edges—but that’s what makes it so damn real. Like, who needs polish when you’ve got soul?
Then there’s “Bûches.” This one’s wild. Starts off slow, almost hesitant, like it’s testing the waters. But once the drums lock in with the bassline, holy crap, it’s game over. It’s jazzy enough to make you nod your head but rocky enough to make you wanna stomp your feet too. There’s this moment midway where everything drops except for the guitar solo—it’s short, maybe five seconds tops, but dude, it gave me goosebumps. Feels like catching a glimpse of something beautiful and fleeting, like a firefly at dusk.
What gets me about LAU is how unapologetically human it feels. These guys aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel; they’re just telling their story, warts and all. Listening to it feels less like hearing an album and more like eavesdropping on a late-night jam session between friends.
Here’s the kicker though—this record reminds me of burnt toast. Stay with me here. Burnt toast isn’t perfect, sure, but it’s got character. It tells you someone was paying attention, even if things didn’t go exactly as planned. That’s LAU. Imperfect, unpredictable, and utterly unforgettable.
