Hear Downtown Boys’ Punk Rallying Cry “Somo Chulas (No Somos Pendejas)”

Last month, the fiery Providence, RI punk group Downtown Boys announced their signing to Sub Pop, a promising indication that larger audiences will discover their insurgent energy. While there’s still no news on a follow-up to 2015’s Full Communism, yesterday the band released their first track through their new label, the glorious, Spanish-language “Somo Chulas (No Somos Pendejas).” The title translates to “I’m elegant/intelligent, I’m not dumb,” which Downtown Boys explain is “a declaration of one’s ability to decolonize one’s mind, and the importance of fearlessly unlearning the ways white supremacy conditions people to think and exist.” Delivered in the chorus as a moment of clarity amidst reeling guitars and furious drums, this phrase becomes a rousing rally cry (à la their song “Monstro”’s chorus, “She’s brown/She’s smart!”).

Accompanied by production from Greg Norman and Fugazi’s Guy Picciotto, Downtown Boys sound sharper than ever, their urgency tightened into a raging storm. The band understands that for a song to be political, it needs to be more than just than a temporary rebellion: It has to dig into the essence of an identity with relentless honesty. Therein lies Downtown Boys’ power, and “Somo Chulas (No Somos Pendejas)” offers liberation for those who need it without compromise.

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