Inocentes - Panico em S.P. Mini-LP

Inocentes - Panico em S.P. Mini-LP

Label: WEA Brazil; Year: 1986; Format: 12" Mini-LP

In 1983 Inocentes from Sao Paolo in Brazil self-released a fantastic raw hardcore punk 7" titled "Miseria E Fome". Unfortunately even the reissue is so rare that at this point I won't be reviewing said classic. This Mini-LP was gifted to me by a good friend in Europe and while their self-titled EP was put out by the band itself, three years later Inocentes found themselves on WEA Brazil, a major. While their earlier output was influenced by Discharge, Rattus and the likes, three years later the band went much more melodic without losing its edge after the only remaining original member Clemente put together a new line-up consisting of former members of Sao Paulo Oi band Neuroticos. The six songs on here are well produced mid-tempo punk rock smashers with great hooks and really brilliant songwriting. One can definitely hear a Clash influence but I would also compare them to '80s French bands like Camera Silens or Komintern Sect. It's pretty obvious that Clemente must have gone through a phase where he thought it would be more viable to incorporate more melodic punk and post-punk influences into their songwriting, something that worked to perfection on this Mini-LP. Interestingly enough not only UK's The Insane have a song called "El Salvador" but so do Inocentes and it's not just a cracker of a song but sticks out with the Dead Kennedys influenced guitar sound. From the little I have heard from here on the band's releases gradually started to get poppier and far more mainstream sounding hence nothing I would seek out. This one though is a true gem and will have you pogo in your living room!