Blending their trademark loud, garage pop sound with whip smart lyrics, Las Nubes returns with their sophomore album Tormentas Malsanas (Unhealthy Storms) on June 14. The album is a powerful exploration of life’s tempests and the dynamic duo of Ale Campos and Emile Milgrim, beautifully mirror the unpredictable weather of Miami in a spectrum of emotions and musical experiences that is on Tormentas Malsanas.
Addressing a variety of struggles from the personal challenges of starting a family as a female musician, ageing, to the collective anxieties brought on by the pandemic, and the urgency of social justice, the duo unflinchingly tackle these big complex emotions and issues with a sense of grace and wisdom. With their fuzzed out punk edge, Las Nubes’ messages come across loud and clear, not sanctimonious or self-righteous.
Ferociously infectious, “Would Be” kicks off the album and brings a nostalgic yet urgent feel to the album. Inspired by the idea of an ageing superhero, the song will be felt by all who have fallen prey to the bittersweet passage of time. While “Pesada” immediately grabs attention with its powerful riffs and pointed commentary on performative activism. The biting lyrics and intense delivery set another tone for an album that doesn’t shy away from confronting uncomfortable truths. While I cannot speak nor understand a word of Spanish, the tracks “Caricia”, “Enredados”, “Agua Plastica”, Carminar Sola”, and “Canse” prove that music is the Universal language and that one doesn’t have to necessarily understand the language to understand the underlying meaning.
While each song on Tormentas Malsanas is rooted in unique personal stories and broader societal critiques, it’s the raw and unapologetic lyrical voice of the duo that shines throughout. The band skillfully blends heavy, emotionally charged lyrics with their energetic, garage pop sound, creating an album that is as hopeful as it is intense.
Delivering a potent mix of personal and political thoughts, Tormentas Malsanas is a masterful blend of raw energy and contemplative lyricism that is wrapped in their signature blend of dreamy punk. Throughout Tormentas Malsanas, Las Nubes deftly navigates between complex moments with explosive bursts of energy and this juxtaposition creates a dynamic and engaging experience that showcases the band’s range and versatility.
