Los Crudos
Encyclopedia
Los Crudos was an American hardcore punk
band from Chicago, Illinois that existed from 1991 to 1998. The band played in the hardcore punk style, and were a popular act within the DIY underground
of the 1990s. Being Latino
, they paved the way for later Spanish-speaking punk bands and helped to increase the presence of Latinos in the predominantly white punk subculture
. They have been described as "one of '90s punk's truly great bands" and "one of the greatest hardcore bands...ever." Paul Kennedy additionally describes them as "very popular in both the 'crusty
' and Emo
/straight edge
scenes in North America."
and guitarist José Casas, who remained the group's consistent members through rotating rhythm sections. Their lyrics were almost always sung in Spanish
; the song "We're That Spic Band" (written in response to an audience member calling them a "spic band") is the sole exception. Los Crudos' lyrics were explicitly political, addressing issues such as class, police brutality, homophobia, and California ballot proposition
s directed against immigrants. At concerts, Sorrondeguy would often speak at length about the songs' meanings between songs, partly as a way of getting around the language barrier (audiences weren't always happy about this). Their music was loud, fast, and energetic with songs built around three chords
or fewer. "We're That Spic Band" and "Asesinos" (about "the disappearances of radical youth during military dictatorships in Latin America") have both been described as their most well-known song.
The band's first shows were in Pilsen, the Latino neighborhood in Chicago where the band members lived, and many of their lyrics were first sung there. Sorrondeguy has said that, "One of the main reasons for singing in Spanish was to communicate directly with kids in our neighborhood." In Pilsen, the band also worked closely with community agencies such as Project Vida, an AIDS prevention organization, and Project Hablo, a domestic violence support group.
Los Crudos incorporated DIY ethics into every aspect of the band's existence, including promoting and booking shows, recording music, touring, and silk-screening T-shirts. They toured Mexico
(in 1994), South America
, Europe, and Japan, as well as touring the US many times. The band's recordings were released on independent record labels such as Flat Earth Records, Ebullition Records
, and Sorrondeguy's label Lengua Armada Discos
. The group's final rhythm section included bassist Juan Jimenez and drummer Ebro Virumbrales (also a member of Charles Bronson
and MK-ULTRA
).
Los Crudos played its last shows in October 1998,in the neighborhood which they started in, Pilsen. After the band's breakup, Sorrondeguy became the vocalist for Limp Wrist
, as well as releasing a documentary about Chicano and Latino punk (Beyond The Screams: A U.S. Latino Hardcore Punk Documentary). He has also been in the bands Harto and Tragatelo. Guitarist Jose now plays in the Chicago punk band I Attack. Drummer Ebro became the vocalist for Chicago band Punch in the Face.
The band played an unannounced reunion show in June 2006 at Southkore (America's first and largest Latino punk festival), in Chicago's Little Village. The festival attracted more than 400 fans. They also played reunion shows in 2008's Chaos in Tejas festival in Austin, Texas and in Los Angeles, California in 2008.
Hardcore punk
Hardcore punk is an underground music genre that originated in the late 1970s, following the mainstream success of punk rock. Hardcore is generally faster, thicker, and heavier than earlier punk rock. The origin of the term "hardcore punk" is uncertain. The Vancouver-based band D.O.A...
band from Chicago, Illinois that existed from 1991 to 1998. The band played in the hardcore punk style, and were a popular act within the DIY underground
Underground music
Underground music comprises a range of different musical genres that operate outside of mainstream culture. Such music can typically share common values, such as the valuing of sincerity and intimacy; an emphasis on freedom of creative expression; an appreciation of artistic creativity...
of the 1990s. Being Latino
Latino
The demonyms Latino and Latina , are defined in English language dictionaries as:* "a person of Latin-American descent."* "A Latin American."* "A person of Hispanic, especially Latin-American, descent, often one living in the United States."...
, they paved the way for later Spanish-speaking punk bands and helped to increase the presence of Latinos in the predominantly white punk subculture
Punk subculture
The punk subculture includes a diverse array of ideologies, and forms of expression, including fashion, visual art, dance, literature, and film, which grew out of punk rock.-History:...
. They have been described as "one of '90s punk's truly great bands" and "one of the greatest hardcore bands...ever." Paul Kennedy additionally describes them as "very popular in both the 'crusty
Crust punk
Crust punk is a form of music influenced by anarcho-punk, hardcore punk and extreme metal. The style, which evolved in the mid-1980s in England, often has songs with dark and pessimistic lyrics that linger on political and social ills...
' and Emo
Emo
Emo is a style of rock music and its associated subcultureEmo may also refer to:- Businesses :* Emo , an Irish oil company and filling station chain* Emo Speedway, a racetrack in Emo, Ontario...
/straight edge
Straight edge
Straight edge is a subculture of hardcore punk whose adherents refrain from using alcohol, tobacco, and other recreational drugs. It was a direct reaction to the sexual revolution, hedonism, and excess associated with punk rock. For some, this extends to not engaging in promiscuous sex, following a...
scenes in North America."
History
The band formed in the early 1990s by singer Martin SorrondeguyMartin Sorrondeguy
Martin Sorrondeguy is the singer of hardcore bands Los Crudos and Limp Wrist, the founder of the DIY record label, Lengua Armada Discos, documentary film director and a prominent figure in both the straight edge scene and the queercore scene....
and guitarist José Casas, who remained the group's consistent members through rotating rhythm sections. Their lyrics were almost always sung in Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
; the song "We're That Spic Band" (written in response to an audience member calling them a "spic band") is the sole exception. Los Crudos' lyrics were explicitly political, addressing issues such as class, police brutality, homophobia, and California ballot proposition
California ballot proposition
In California, a ballot proposition is a proposed law that is submitted to the electorate for approval in a direct vote . It may take the form of a constitutional amendment or an ordinary statute. A ballot proposition may be proposed by the State Legislature or by a petition signed by members of...
s directed against immigrants. At concerts, Sorrondeguy would often speak at length about the songs' meanings between songs, partly as a way of getting around the language barrier (audiences weren't always happy about this). Their music was loud, fast, and energetic with songs built around three chords
Three-chord song
A three-chord song is a song whose music is built around three chords that are played in a certain sequence. Perhaps the most prevalent type of three-chord song is the simple twelve bar blues used in blues and rock and roll....
or fewer. "We're That Spic Band" and "Asesinos" (about "the disappearances of radical youth during military dictatorships in Latin America") have both been described as their most well-known song.
The band's first shows were in Pilsen, the Latino neighborhood in Chicago where the band members lived, and many of their lyrics were first sung there. Sorrondeguy has said that, "One of the main reasons for singing in Spanish was to communicate directly with kids in our neighborhood." In Pilsen, the band also worked closely with community agencies such as Project Vida, an AIDS prevention organization, and Project Hablo, a domestic violence support group.
Los Crudos incorporated DIY ethics into every aspect of the band's existence, including promoting and booking shows, recording music, touring, and silk-screening T-shirts. They toured Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
(in 1994), South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
, Europe, and Japan, as well as touring the US many times. The band's recordings were released on independent record labels such as Flat Earth Records, Ebullition Records
Ebullition Records
Ebullition Records is an independent record label and distro based out of Goleta, California. It published HeartattaCk, a zine focusing on independent punk and hardcore from around the world, informed by an anti-consumerist and D.I.Y. ideology....
, and Sorrondeguy's label Lengua Armada Discos
Lengua Armada Discos
Lengua Armada Discos is an American punk and hardcore independent record label run by Limp Wrist/Los Crudos frontman, Martin Sorrondeguy. It features such bands as Look Back and Laugh, Charles Bronson, Severed Head of State and Sin Orden....
. The group's final rhythm section included bassist Juan Jimenez and drummer Ebro Virumbrales (also a member of Charles Bronson
Charles Bronson (band)
Charles Bronson was a prolific powerviolence band from DeKalb, Illinois, existing from 1994 to 1997. Although they were often associated with the straight edge scene, only two of the members actually abstained from drug and alcohol use.-Musical style:...
and MK-ULTRA
MK-ULTRA (Chicago band)
MK-ULTRA was a hardcore/thrash band from Chicago, Illinois formed in 1993. They were known for their fast music and outspokenness on political and social topics ranging from capitalism to Christianity. Due to "legal troubles", the band was forced to drop the name "MK-ULTRA" in 1999...
).
Los Crudos played its last shows in October 1998,in the neighborhood which they started in, Pilsen. After the band's breakup, Sorrondeguy became the vocalist for Limp Wrist
Limp Wrist
Limp Wrist is an American hardcore punk band featuring members of Los Crudos, Hail Mary, Devoid of Faith, and Kill the Man Who Questions. Playing short, fast hardcore punk-styled music, the band touches upon themes concerning the LGBT community in their live performances and lyrics. They identify...
, as well as releasing a documentary about Chicano and Latino punk (Beyond The Screams: A U.S. Latino Hardcore Punk Documentary). He has also been in the bands Harto and Tragatelo. Guitarist Jose now plays in the Chicago punk band I Attack. Drummer Ebro became the vocalist for Chicago band Punch in the Face.
The band played an unannounced reunion show in June 2006 at Southkore (America's first and largest Latino punk festival), in Chicago's Little Village. The festival attracted more than 400 fans. They also played reunion shows in 2008's Chaos in Tejas festival in Austin, Texas and in Los Angeles, California in 2008.
Members
- Martin Sorrondeguy - vocals (1991–1998, 2006, 2008–2009)
- José Casas - guitar (1991–1998, 2006, 2008–2009)
- Juan Jimenez - bass (1996–1998)
- Ebro Virumbrales - drums (199?-1998)
- Oscar Chávez - bass (1991–1992)
- Lenin - bass (1992–1995)
- Mando - bass (1996)
- Joel Martinez - drums (1991–1995)
- Bryan - drums (1995-199?)
Discography
- CD Discography - Compiles everything except their split 7" with MK- UltraMK-ULTRA (Chicago band)MK-ULTRA was a hardcore/thrash band from Chicago, Illinois formed in 1993. They were known for their fast music and outspokenness on political and social topics ranging from capitalism to Christianity. Due to "legal troubles", the band was forced to drop the name "MK-ULTRA" in 1999...
Singles
- 7" Nunca Nada Cambia... split with Huasipungo
- 7" split with Mannumission
- 7" split with MK- UltraMK-ULTRA (Chicago band)MK-ULTRA was a hardcore/thrash band from Chicago, Illinois formed in 1993. They were known for their fast music and outspokenness on political and social topics ranging from capitalism to Christianity. Due to "legal troubles", the band was forced to drop the name "MK-ULTRA" in 1999...
- 7" La Rabia Nubla Nuestros Ojos…
- 7" Las Injusticias Caen Como Pesadillas
Full lengths
- 12" LP Canciones Para Liberar Nuestras Fronteras (Lengua Armada)
- 12" split with SpitboySpitboySpitboy was an American anarcho-punk band founded in San Francisco, California in the early 1990s by four women. Within their music they aggressively criticized patriarchy and gender roles.-History:...
- Ebullition RecordsEbullition RecordsEbullition Records is an independent record label and distro based out of Goleta, California. It published HeartattaCk, a zine focusing on independent punk and hardcore from around the world, informed by an anti-consumerist and D.I.Y. ideology....
' most popular release. - 12" LP discography 1991–1995 Los Primeros Gritos
- 12' LP Last Stand - A limited edition bootleg of the last Los Crudos show. 315 numbered copies.
- 12" split with Reversal of Man - This was supposed to be a repress of the Los Crudos/Spitboy split LP, but the pressing plant accidentally pressed 1000 copies of the Los Crudos side of the split with the A-Side of the Reversal of Man "This Is Medicine" LP. Rather than destroy accidental pressing, the copies were sold and the proceeds were donated to a rape crisis center.
Compilations
- Achtung Chicago Zwei! LP/CD
- Chicago Hardcore Compilation 7"
- Bllleeeeaaauuurrrrgghhh!: A Music War 7" (Slap-a-Ham RecordsSlap-a-Ham RecordsSlap A Ham Records was a hardcore punk, thrash metal and grindcore label from San Francisco, California owned and operated by Chris Dodge of Spazz, Despise You, Lack Of Interest and several other bands.-Discography:Published albums include:...
) - A History Of Compassion and Justice 2x7" (Lengua Armada) - A benefit for a mural in Chicago.
- Books To Prisoners 7"
- In The Spirit Of Total Resistance 7" (Profane ExistenceProfane ExistenceThe Profane Existence Collective is a Minneapolis-based anarcho-punk collective. Established in 1989, the collective publishes a nationally-known zine , as well as releasing and distributing anarcho-punk, crust, and grindcore music, and printing and publishing pamphlets and literature...
) - "A benefit release for the Mohawk nation of Kanesatake, in Quebec, who came under persecution in 1990." - Liberame 7"
- Live At Pantitlan, Mexico D.F. K7
- Chicago's On Fire Again 7"
- Cry Now, Cry Later Vol. 4 2x7"
- Stealing the Pocket Compilation LP
- America Is Bella…Para Vivir Resistiendo!! LP
- CIA Via UFO TO Mercury LP
- Iron Columns 2xLP
- Reality Part 3 LP
See also
- Limp WristLimp WristLimp Wrist is an American hardcore punk band featuring members of Los Crudos, Hail Mary, Devoid of Faith, and Kill the Man Who Questions. Playing short, fast hardcore punk-styled music, the band touches upon themes concerning the LGBT community in their live performances and lyrics. They identify...
- List of Chicago hardcore punk bands
- List of hardcore punk bands
- Chicano punk
External links
- Los Crudos on Myspace
- Aneurysm - The Lost Interviews: Los Crudos A 1997 interview with Martin Sorrondeguy