MINI-ALBUM REVIEW: Flores Y Fuego – Wabi-Sabi (Pirates Press Records/Venas Rotas Discos)
Flores Y Fuego are a hardcore band from Guadalajara, Mexico, who are making sizable waves in the scene both at home and, increasingly, abroad.
Taking shape while the world went into lockdown in 2020, their debut album Altar (reviewed here) was released in their homeland in 2022 and given a wider audience by US indie-punk label Pirates Press in 2023.
They made their first appearance at the Rebellion Punk Festival in Blackpool later that year, and won more new friends with a split 7in with LA hardcore outfit Slaughterhouse in 2024.
Now they’re back with a second longer player, though the fact it’s got just seven tracks make it more of a mini-album than full-length.
Like their earlier releases, it’s sung entirely in Spanish, and while you might not understand the lyrics, there’s no doubting the power and passion behind their delivery.
Frontwoman Melisa shows she’s a real force of nature as she powers through songs like the singles Guadaña (Scythe), Sacrificio, (Sacrifice) and Todo Va a Estar Bien (Everything Is Going To Be Alright)
I’d liken her to Olga from Italian thrashcore band Svetlanas, and the music’s not at all bad either. I’d recommend Flores Y Fuego (it means Flowers & Fire) to anyone who likes their hardcore served hot. 8/10.
