Herida Profunda / Hello Bastards split 7" record Hello Bastards are out-spoken in their desire for punk to become a political force and to regain its outsider status rather than becoming another part of comfortable society. On their side of the split, they do so through vicious powerviolence, with most songs only lasting a handful of seconds. They’re far from one-trick ponies though, with the one-two of ‘Intro Hanyaterra + The Sweatshop System’ showcasing a band with a creative, as well as violent streak. Their final track, ‘Equality’, shows them at their best, mixing incredible aggression and speed with some catchy riffs, that’s made all the more effective for its short, slower section, and righteous anger that fuels the song. The lyrics are straight to the point – “Fight inequality and do it now!” – but that only adds to their sense of conviction, which is what helps make their side of the split so great.Herida Profunda’s take on punk is a bit more grind, and crustier than Hello Bastards, but there’s still a lot of speed to their three songs, and just as much righteous conviction. ‘Refugees Welcome’ opens with samples contrasting the dangerous faced by those escaping war-torn countries with the empty, hateful rhetoric of Trump, and sets the scene for a song that lets those fleeing danger know that they’re not alone. There’s still room for out-and-out fun on their side though, with closer ‘Grind You In The Back’ being a hyperspeed cover of Motörhead’s ‘Shoot You In The Back’ that’s an absolute thrill.
