Ultra: Alta Montaa 12″

Description

Barcelonas ULTRA finally found time to record their LP in between forced exiles, mountain retreats and relentless touring. Leaving behind a whole lotto touring and two EPs filled to the rim with short burst of hardcore punk energy, they managed to stay still long enough to compose and record their debut LP. This time around you can see they have had space, maybe even mental space, to put together an extremely well balanced and produced record. The wild riffing is still there so is the seamless rhythm section backing one of the most energetic voices in current hardcore punk. Perhaps the most noticeable changes are the delay vocals and the electronic segments and intros joining the 11 tracks together. Dont worry, ULTRA is still an anti-authoritarian riff powerhouse but this time they are proving that you can keep one foot firmly pressed in the political hardcore scene while breaking free of music expectations.

Released to coincide with ULTRAs first Japanese/Seoul tour, Alta Montaa comes housed in a 350 gsm board sleeve, designed by the band using location pictures by bass player David G. and singer Ian. Laid out by grumpy extraordinary Daniel Frutos who doubled as studio engineer during the recording at La Cova Studio in Barcelona. Finally, it was mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege.

Our take: After two earlier 7s we get the debut 12 from Barcelonas Ultra, and its a big step up from those earlier EPs. Like a lot of bands from Barcelona, Ultra have a progressive sound with lots of twists, turns, and intricacies in the songwriting. Thats not to say they dont rage; like Osservati Dall’Inganno-era Indigesti (or that records obvious inspiration, the Bad Brains), the intricacies increase the power rather than provide a break from it. If you like lightning-fast, stop on a dime hardcore youll love the tight playing and clear and powerful recording, but my favorite parts are when the band spreads out. The guitar solos are a treat, with the title tracks wild, whammy bar-heavy lead reminding me of a weird, progressive thrash band like Nocturnus. I also love the Sunn-esque droning intro to Estado Vital, and the two electronic pieces on the record are also a pleasant breather. If youre into the noisy and progressive hardcore thats been coming out of Barcelona for the past decade, its hard to imagine you wouldnt love Alta Montaa.