Album Review: Sindicato Vertical – Sindicato Vertical

Hailing from Alicante, Spain, Sindicato Vertical were formed after the dissolution of Chromosoma 3. This, their self-titled and debut album, collates the quartet’s previously released singles alongside newer songs that showcase their affection for, and adherence to, the traits of 1980’s ‘waves’ – New, No, Goth and Cold (you get the idea) – through their use of drum machines, synth and reverb. Bravely using their non-native language of English throughout, the band touch on both personal and broader social themes with a sardonic edge.

The record, like the members themselves, presents a cohesive aesthetic – evident from glossy opener ‘Sweet Riot’; all mechanical and metronomic.  ‘Post Truth’ is more excitable, allowing vocalist Gerardo to use more of a variety of techniques, while the band restrain the rolling riffs below. Looking to expand further, ‘Arrimadas State’ mixes a menacing undercurrent with mangled surf chords, choppy rhythms and yelps, whilst the outcast themes of ‘Cloned Games’ are delivered with a straightforward, driving immediacy. Another former single, ‘Decay Fun’, is a twinkle of guitars and a baritone drone, built around a purposeful bass line that merges almost indistinguishably into ‘Surf Lines’ – the parameters of the band’s sound feeling like they’ve been reached already, so the trio of final tracks (including a cover of Morrisey‘s ‘Everyday Is Like Sunday’) cruise out coolly, but, like much within SV’s monochromatic world, fairly colourlessly.

Like the exacting, icy ambiance of refined post-punk tones? ‘Sindicato Vertical’ is available through Bandcamp. The band also has an active YouTube channel featuring videos for each song off the album, as well as Facebook and Instagram pages to follow.