LAS COSAS

Formed in 2001, it was in 2006 that Argentinean band Las Cosas really started to work as a stable unit in its mission of creating and disseminating experimental rock in the underground scene of Buenos Aires. The line-up of two guitarists, one bassist and one drummer was the one that released the eponymous EP in 2008, a debut release that pretty much conveyed the essence of a refreshing way of creating psychedelic experimentation in a rock framework. Things get started with 'El Sonido' ('The Sound', a Spartan title, indeed), a muscular display of heavy atmospheres that are closely related to the Hendrix and Guru Guru patterns. Its slow tempo drives the musical idea into a somewhat oppressive environment for the first half, until an enhancement of mood shifts things toward an Explosions In The Sky sort of way, up until the effective climax. A very good opener it is. 'Barracas' has a slightly minor degree of energy, which makes Las Cosas sound relatively similar to Don Caballero's softer side. The three- part 'Autopista' initially displays an agile combination of Neu!-related kraut and math-rock ('Piloto'), then states a moment (too brief a moment) of 80s Crimsonian prog ('Pasando'), and ultimately brings a summarized guitar-centered rendition of Kraftwerk's classic 'Autobahn', less kraut and more no-wave ('Finale'). 'Manual S.50 ms' is an abstract interlude that could be described as a lost Eno & Fripp piece recaptured and refurbished by a combo of Sonic Youth and Radiohead guitarists that are taking it easy. 'Beleu Sile' closes down the EP with the biggest display of muscular rocking power in the album: the initial explorations on riffs and incendiary moods are really attention-grabbing; things change midway and become more constrained, almost eerie. I personally would have liked it better if this track had been longer, perhaps by delivering a reprise of the opening motif, but again, things are as they are and "Las Cosas" is a very good place to start the discovery of Las Cosas. 3 1/3 stars for this one.