Reviewed by Jon Cooper

Singing entirely in Spanish, Metanoia sound like a Desperado-era Antonio Banderas fronting a collaboration between Less Than Jake and Iron Maiden, using Stifler's Mom's basement as a practise room. And yes - that is every bit as good as it sounds. Apparently (my GCSE-level Spanish failed me) their name refers to the change in life brought about by Jesus, and whilst the language barrier makes it impossible to comment on the depth of lyrical insight on offer here, there's certainly more than enough energy to demonstrate a passion for music that is infectiously life-affirming. Critically for a release of this genre, the musicianship is tight and the production suitably balanced between raw and conducive to pleasurable listening. Opener "Evidente" bursts out of the traps like a crazed whippet, before the opening riff to "Inutil" goes off like a school bell signalling the end-of-year stampede. "Peluquero" was built for a sweaty mosh-pit sing-along, before "Te Amo" makes the listener wonder what "Livin' La Vida Loca" would've sounded like had Ricky Martin discovered tattoos, skateboards and Black Flag at an early age. With a little time to develop their ear for a catchy hook, Metanoia could make serious waves.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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