–Chicago Reader
La Armada's new mini-EP, Songs of the Exiled I: Chicago, is out today. It is the first installment in the band's Songs of the Exiled project, a series of releases, "each dedicated to one of the places we were born, or have lived in, that have shaped us and our political stances."
Stream it, here:
https://armadahardcore.bandcamp.com/album/songs-of-the-exiled-i-chicago
Founded in the Dominican Republic in 2001, La Armada played a major role in building up the hardcore punk scene in its home country in the '00s, before then emigrating to the US – first to Florida, then to Chicago. The band's highly unique story, of having made its mark in the Dominican Republic, then uprooting and starting again in the US, will be expressed and honored through Songs of the Exiled.
A self-described "crossover" band, the quintet's sound blends influences from metal, hardcore punk, and Caribbean music. In La Armada's hands, thrashing hardcore, inspired by bands ranging from Bad Brains to Death, is intensified by traditional Latin rhythms.
Just as its music reflects its background, so does its message. La Armada describes its political stance to be that of "decolonizing and anti-fascist lyrics, which criticize the politics of both the US and the Dominican Republic." Denouncing historical atrocities and also pointing out flaws in modern-day society – racism, police brutality, prisons for profit, to name a few – the band has put its money where its mouth is, with a long history of organizing concerts and events to raise funds for causes such as the American Civil Liberties Union and for grassroots organizations in the Caribbean.
Songs of the Exiled I: Chicago marks the recorded debut of La Armada's new vocalist, Casper Torres (ex-KDC).
La Armada has toured with Sick of It All, Propagandhi, Death by Stereo, and more. Stay tuned for news of the next live shows.
Photo by Adam Santiago
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