KOMA
"Sinonimo
de Ofender" (Locomotive; 2004)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
There used to be a time when my esteemed editor would never send me anything for review that came from the Locomotive label. He must have thought that the bands were too melodic or not metal enough – well, maybe that last statement says more about me than what my editor thinks. That's changed lately as I've received at least a couple of CDs from bands on the Locomotive label. The latest is the 2004 release from Koma entitled "Sinonimo de Ofender."
Koma play a brand of hard rock that is heavy on riffs and catchy vocals. Based on what I'm hearing I keep thinking that Koma are like Puya, but I think that is the Spanish lyrics clouding my judgment. Koma and Puya do share a lot in common with heavily infused native rhythms and melodic touches throughout the pounding riffage and smooth choruses. I know it is such an easy thing for most bands whose native tongue is not English to create their music in English to reach the broadest possible audience. Accordingly, I applaud Koma for sticking to Spanish – I may not understand a single word of it, but at least I can hear the emotion in the words.
"Sinonimo de Ofender" features 14 songs at more than 54 minutes and it doesn't seem like struggle to get through it all. All the songs have distinctive hooks despite not being terribly ground breaking. But that's OK – not everything has to push the musical envelope.
In the end, I'd have to say that Koma probably rock a little harder than the typical band on the Locomotive roster – but that's based on my limited experience with the label's roster. Regardless, Koma's brand of hard rock is extremely satisfying and fun to listen to.
"Sinonimo de Ofender" was produced by Koma.
Koma: Brigi Duque on vocals and guitar, Natxo Zabala on guitar, Rafa Redin on bass, and Juan Carlos Aizpun on drums.
For more information visit http://www.koma-grupo.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
