This Drama

This Drama brings us pure punk rock, but with a little more attention to the instrumental approach than most bands in the genre. Raw, wildly slamming punk rock is what you’ll hear on their fourth album The Wasted Youth. These Spanish punks grab you right at the throat, and although the vocal contribution is just sharp and witty it should also be mentioned is the technical side of The Wasted Youth is definitely an important part of this record. The four songs all breathe the same atmosphere - the bone reaching guitar riffs coming at us - but it is mainly the percussion that we may see as a highlight. Imagine an express train hurtling at you, without looking up. For those who love pure old school punk rock, with a high technical element, The Wasted Youth is a gem that should not be missing in your record collection. We look forward to more in the near future. - Snooze Control

A five piece with panache for the rawer side of punk rock, This Drama present their latest record ‘The Wasted Youth’ on maverick label Deep Elm Records. It’s a short and not-so-sweet EP, brandishing the band’s rough ‘n’ ready sound heard on the two previous releases ‘San Diego XIII’ and ‘Tarantula Mata’. Opening with a screech of feedback, ‘Take it (Leave it)’ is a rip-roaring riff-o-rama. This isn’t as much punk as it is no-holds-barred hard rock - there’s Fugazi as well as Queens of the Stone Age influence amongst the fuzzing and buzzing guitars (and if you spy a bit of Mastodon, it’s because Jag Jago is at the mixing desk). Asdrubal Marichal’s vocals have real bite, and a skipping rhythm that the vast amount of rock bands lack. As such, the vocals add an interesting hook to the guttural mix of masculine bravado found in the instrumentation. To review the following tracks individually would be a bit of a misnomer. They all have the same infectious attitude, fabulous guitar work and driving rhythm of the opener, and never let up at any point. All anyone really needs to know is that this EP has enough energy to fuel a few small countries. The rhythm section of Yapci Quiros (bass) and Miguel Arimany (drums) is tighter than a duck’s asshole and the duel guitar attack of Inaki Recio and Fran Saavedra utterly breathtaking. As Marichal puts it, This Drama are "…far from the entrenched ideas, values, needs and culture of a, what we believe to be, dying society", and are recommended to anyone that likes to dabble in the fringes of normality. This is not something your mother would want you to listen to. - 7 Bit Arcade

This Drama are the rarest of combinations; a rock band from the sweltering Canary Island of Tenerife. Hailing from a place where dance music normally reigns supreme and guitars are as rare as rain, This Drama infuse punk with rock and combine it with both hardcore and 80’s vibes, regularly switching between their influences seamlessly whilst always managing to stride with a swagger. The vocals are always gruff, the guitar lines are insatiably ferocious and gritty and the drumming never forgets for one second that its role is to relentlessly drive the songs forward and provide the platform for the other instruments to build upon. This rather potent concoction is what This Drama’s latest mini-album The Wasted Youth is all about, and it relentlessly pummels you from start to finish. Produced by ex The Ghost of a Thousand guitarist Jag Jago, his influence upon This Drama’s sound is equal parts notable and successful. The intensity and vibe which he formerly brought to songs like Canyons Of Static is injected into The Wasted Youth, with Bleed Passion, Buy Fashion in particular reminiscent of the sludgy, distorted riffs that were commonplace in his old work. Album closer When We Are Dead is built upon a classic rock Ôn roll riff and gallops on the back of it from start to finish, whilst opener Take It (Leave It) features as infectious a chorus you’re likely to find in punk rock; and will likely be a fan favourite, particularly in a live setting. The Wasted Youth is still only the third release from a young band who have already found a solid formula; one that takes a dash of one genre and blends it by dabbling in another. Whatever This Drama means by the title of their new album, the time spent crafting The Wasted Youth is time very well spent indeed. - MuzikDizcovery

This Drama pursue an interesting sonic. There are detectable elements of the likes of As Friends Rust, Manifesto Jukebox and Fugazi underpinning the mini-album, but The Wasted Youth is more heavily driven by riff-based rock n’ roll grit that brings to mind The Bronx, Turbonegro and even Motšrhead. The approach consequently finds a synthesis that somehow displays subtle brilliance in melodic detail, rooted in unadulterated punk rock aggression. As a collection of songs, The Wasted Youth is consistent; each song a dynamic experience firmly established in a series of instantly memorable riffs, with embellishment traded off between singer Astrubal Marichal’s gruff vocal attack and Inaki Recio and Fran Saavedra’s abrasive guitar-based melodies. But it’s the last track - When We Are Dead - that’s most powerful. It kicks off in much the same vein as the rest of the album, but after dropping back in the bridge, Marichal trades in his singing for a vociferous growl; the dispensation of balled-up energy that both anticipates the conclusion of the album and whets the listener’s appetite for whatever This Drama decide to deliver up next. With a running time clocking in just shy of 13 minutes, the album’s only downside is that it’s over all too soon. But it sure is a great time while it lasts. - Rip It Up

I love This Drama. They always give the best of themselves on Ep format, concentrating on maximum charge and sonic ideas. It’s dirty Punk ‘n’ Roll like a punch in the face, straight and without compromise. Black Cobra Snake is one of those songs that leaves you breathless with its insistent groove and you find yourself banging your head. It’s the guitars that add the energy for my favorite chorus on the album, a chorus that remaind me even the Biohazard. Black Cobra Snake is my favorite song, but the other three have the same potential. The deadly slowing of When We Are Dead then finds force and explosion in the choral finale, while Take It (Leave It) is as sharp as a razor. Bleed Passion exudes raw, wild garage rock which is a pleasure, with a shot to the speed version of Fu Manchu . If these four songs serve as the state of health of the band, This Drama are definitely ok. - TroubleZine

This Drama is a five piece band from everyone’s favourite holiday destination; and are set to release their latest record The Wasted Youth continuing their relationship with Deep Elm Records. Following on from 2010’s Tarantula Mata this latest offering contains four hardcore-tinged punk-rock songs and plenty of big riffs. Take it (Leave It) is something of a riff fest. Not exactly a straight up punk-rock song; more of hybrid of punk fused with glam rock with something of a sunshine tinge to it. Asdrubal Marichal’s vocals contain a real raw bite and punch to them and a likeability that many similar bands’ vocals simply lack. The vocals really do add to the overall hardcore sound found throughout the song. Second track Bleed Passion, Buy Fashion sounds like homage to the early music of Suicidal Tendencies and Anthrax, with some of the swagger of Velvet Revolver thrown into the mix. In many ways it could be considered an anthem; catchy and very memorable. The bands rhythm section is equally impressive as is the guitar work found on offer throughout. They can really play their instruments. - Already Heard

Short and with immediate effect..like an open-handed slap to the face. This is the The Wasted Youth - the third release by This Drama - where they are exotic because of their extraordinary sound, in the vein of best punk rock bands of late-80s and other contemporaries like The Bronx. This time we don’t find Joby Ford as producer (after a great work with their previous Tarantula Mata), but we find the formerly guitarist of The Ghost Of A Thousand Jag Jago. And after listen the four tracks of this fiery EP, to record with him in the UK was definitely a great decision. Because ‘Take It (Leave It)’ perfectly captures the identity of a live band expert as anyone doing sweaty punk’n’roll with memorable choruses. ‘Bleed Passion Buy Fashion’ bang heads and consciences at the same time, while ‘Black Cobra Snake’ is deliciously crude. The EP ends with the riff, claps and chorus of ‘When We Are Dead’, a great song that keep you waiting for more, so press play again and get slapped in the other side of the face. - RockZone Magazine

Canary Islands’ band This Drama go for a straightforward, old school punk ‘n’ roll pummeling. The four tracks of This Wasted Youth fling about big, gritty, power-chordy riffs with an exemplary abandon, whilst the oft-shouted, oft-anthemic vocals provide the punk backbone. Solid stuff. - Inforty

Although Spanish punk band This Drama calls the beautiful Canary Islands home, they must hail from the islands’ crusty underbelly. This is not the flowery, happy-go-lucky island pop music you might have been expecting. On The Wasted Youth, their new EP on Deep Elm Records, the band creates a volatile and energetic blend of gritty 70’s first wave punk, 80’s hardcore, and straight-up rock and roll, all delivered with a snotty and confident swagger reminiscent of The Bronx or 90’s favorites Rocket from The Crypt. This Drama consists of throat-shredding vocalist Asdrubal Marichal, dueling guitarists Inaki Recio and Fran Saavedra, and the super-tight rhythm section of bassist Yapci Quiros and drummer Miguel Arimany. Their third release overall, The Wasted Youth was produced by ex-The Ghost of a Thousand guitarist Jag Jago, best known for his work with Mastodon and Your Demise. The EP kicks off fast and loud, like a thunderous parade of classic muscle cars. The super-charged, Rockabilly-tinted opener Take It (Leave It) careens along with chiming guitars and an infectious chorus. Bleed Passion, Buy Fashion follows with another furious burst of energy. Its enraged and sarcastic lyrical assault will leave your ears black and blue. This Drama is proud of their outsider status. The outcast aesthetic and spirit is evident in everything from the EP’s title and artwork to the culture-defiant lyrics about fashion, trust, and betrayal. These angry yet hopeful songs provide a cathartic release for both the band and the listener. The explosive Black Cobra Snake resounds with some fist-in-the-air gang chanting and noisy, dissonant guitar outbursts, all set to a propulsive four-on-the-floor rhythm. The nostalgia-laced old-school punk of When We are Dead closes out this relentless EP with chunky guitars and an aggressive shout-along chorus that is surely a staple of their live shows. It will leave you satisfied yet wanting more. With The Wasted Youth, This Drama has delivered yet another raging slab of genre-defying, retro-styled punk, one that sets the bar high for their much anticipated sophomore album. - Fabricoh Music

Sometimes it’s all about the attitude in which you play, and This Drama sounds like they have a lot of attitude, from how the music is played to the perfect blend of punk-ish vocals with accessible pop touches. The Wasted Youth (Deep Elm) is an EP that may be only four songs in length, but what they do with these four songs are very impressive. Imagine Green River getting even more punked up than they were in their heyday, but then merging it with Suicidal Tendencies, the fine riffs of Velvet Revolver, and the unpredictability of Seaweed. You will come up with something close to what This Drama do. Bleed Passion, Buy Fashion sounds like a song that could turn into one of many anthems for the group, if they’re the kind of group who are into having crowds worship them like crazy. If not, it’s nice to have a song like Bleed Passion, Buy Fashion and have its lyrics be about anything but what the title implies. Black Cobra Snake sounds like one of those galloping songs that you want hop on a horse for and take on a journey towards the burning sun. At just under 13 minutes, this EP is not enough but again, it’s an EP, I’ll take what they give me. The impact of the groove that they pack in their playing is very nice, and I’d love to know what they would be able to do with a full length, and what they could pull off if they doubled the speed in songs. I want it all. - This Is Books Music

We’ve covered a couple of This Drama releases in the past, but their new EP The Wasted Youth is easily the best production this Canary Island based bunch has put out thus far. It’s a hyperactive, unpredictable mash of punk energy and rock’n’roll grooves that’s difficult to pigeonhole into a single genre, which is why it has been called everything from ‘kamikaze punk’ to ‘tropical punk’, among other exotic terms. In practice, they play a noisy, and loud form of rock music that’s rooted in the aggressive stance of pioneers like At The Drive-In, These Arms Are Snakes, Hot Snakes and others like them. The post-hardcore element is removed from the mix, though, and replaced with punk’n’roll, slightly in the vein of The Bronx but also fellow tropical punks Cactus’s. It’s groovy and vibrant, with funky riffs and rowdy atmosphere being in the spotlight, though never to an extent that melodies are forgotten from the mix. Black Cobra Snake is especially irresistible. The same goes for When We Are Dead, that has a bouncy rock’n’roll riff driving the song forward, and some skate punk style vocals (think Pennywise from mid 90s) laid on top. It’s a quirky mix that’s rather unusual, hence all the name drops in this review from other bands, because as I said before, This Drama don’t exactly sound like anyone else out there. - RockFreaks

Rock’n’roll, hardcore, adrenalin and spit glue this production, showing us the middlefinger (9/10 - Disc of the Year) - OX

At the turn of the year, This Drama impressed with debut release ‘San Diego XIII’ and Punktastic forebode of a positive future. That future appears to be right now, coming in the form of ‘Tarantula Mata’, a new seven tracker that picks up just where the band left off. Everything that made ‘San Diego XIII’ enjoyable is back on show here. The dirty, punk ‘n’ roll sounds still oozes from every pore whilst the gnarly, middle-finger engaged attitude seethes with every note and spat lyric. Fast and unrelenting is the name of the game and this is a game that’s being well and truly thrashed out. ‘Tarantula Mata’ sees Joby J. Ford, guitarist with The Bronx, on producing duties so it’d be a little too predictable to liken the band to the L.A. outfit, but that’s what we said last time and that’s what we’ll unashamedly pronounce this time. For a band that hails from the Tenerife, there’s a whole heap of L.A. gutter sounds going on. It feels dirty and that’s more than part of the pleasure. Just check out closer “Hollywood Quema” for some seriously incendiary and grubby vocals, or “Five Years” for some Rocket From The Crypt style riffs. This is the sound of a band that has matured since last recordings. At seven tracks, clocking in at just over 20 minutes, there’s also a sense that you’re being flirted with but you’re still going home alone. Still, it’s better to deliver seven strong tracks (there isn’t a dud on here) than chuck in some filler. Any band will tell you it’s tough to follow-up your debut release, but ‘Tarantula Mata’ rides the crest of the previous effort. It’s as good, perhaps better. - Punktastic

Following up their debut ‘San Diego XIII’, This Drama from the Canary Islands is back with a new 7-song EP produced by The Bronx’ Joby Ford. ‘Tarantula Mata’ is the name of the album and it rocks from start to finish with a mix of Spanish and English lyrics, heavily distorted guitars and rocking rhythms. It’s halfway stuck between danceable and moshable…choice is up to you I guess. This Drama like to play rock ‘n roll the way The Bronx and Riverboat Gamblers like to go at it. Ain’t nothing wrong with that! - Punk Rock Theory

This is an album to drink and fuck to. So go get it on, crank it up, get messy and wake up in 2011 naked next to lots of other people. I’ve been longing for some sleazy punk rock lately and these beefy bass lines are dripping with sex. Pretending I can sing along to the Spanish is good for a giggle too, although not particularly seductive. This is solid, tight punk rock the way it was meant to be played. The only downside is that it’s a little on the short side. At only 7 tracks you are left wanting a bit more. ‘La Santera’ reminds me of mosh pits and bloody lips as a teenager and this is a track that makes you feel glad to be alive, the whole fucking album is to be honest. ’Five Years’ is one to play pool and drink beer to. ’Seaside’ takes on extra depth when you consider these boys are from Tenerife, although wherever we’re from we all pull the same stupid faces in a circle pit, which is exactly what ‘Hollywood Quema’ makes you want to do. If you like your punk rock SoCal circa 2000, this is the album for you. If you are getting a bit older now and want your punk played by grown ups who can actually play their instruments, this is definitely the album for you. Play it loud and do what you want for a change. It’s soon to be 2011, we’re balls deep in recession and having fun is all we have people! An interesting factoid for the dinner table: Tarantula Mata is Produced by The Bronx guitarist Joby Ford (8/10). - DreamCrusher

Even the most enthusiastic punk-rock devotee would be forgiven for failing to name a punk band from the sunny holiday destination of Tenerife. In fact, it’s probably fair to say that, outside of the Canaries, the small Spanish resort is not exactly well-known for its exports in hardcore music. However, unlike the island’s volcano El Teide, it seems that Tenerife’s punk-rock scene is far from dormant. “Tarantula Mata” is the new mini-album from This Drama, a five-piece hardcore band from the largest of the Canary Islands. Having already received some impressive reviews for their debut LP ‘San Diego XIII’ last year, the group haven’t wasted any time in capitalising on this previous success by letting loose their latest offering. Anyone imagining Tenerife’s first punk exports to sound like some kind of cheery melodic hardcore should think again. Adding to their existing list of credentials, This Drama have enlisted the production talents of Joby J Ford, guitarist with LA hardcore rockers The Bronx. Ford, who recently worked with Trash Talk on their album “Eyes and Nines”, is no stranger to a bit of brutality when it comes to punk-rock music, so prospective listeners should know exactly what to expect. From the word go on opening track ‘Espera Miseria’, This Drama pack a fierce, high-energy punch that hits like a speeding train of punk-rock ferocity. The furious vocals of frontman Asdrubal Marichal, combined with relentless guitars and frantic drumming, make for an irresistibly entertaining listen. The mixture of breakneck-speed hardcore and heavy rock guitars makes their sound quite similar to that of the aforementioned Bronx, whilst still managing to retain their own unique style. The bluesy hard-rock music that kicks off next track ‘127 La Brea’ could almost be something by AC/DC or the like, but despite the more rhythmical intro, This Drama soon pick up the pace as the song turns into another high-impact blast of punk chaos. Elsewhere, the CD is loaded with infectious guitar riffs, tuneful rhythms and harmonious vocals that add some pleasant-sounding flavours to the recklessness on display. The only real complaint about this album is that, reaching only about twenty minutes in length, it’s far too short. In spite of this, “Tarantula Mata” is a fantastic CD that’s packed full of enough passionate and hectic rock music to please most punk fans. This Drama have proved that, even if the Canary Islands don’t have much to offer the world in terms of hardcore music, This Drama certainly do. Hopefully, their next release will be a proper full-length album filled with the same kind of intense energy and, maybe, we will see some equally impressive Tenerife-based bands follow in their footsteps. - Room13

This Drama are existentially unique, in that they’re a punk rock band, a pretty good one at that, hailing from the Canary Islands of all places. Their fiery brand of punk’n’roll owes a great deal to the likes of New Bomb Turks, Hot Snakes and The Bronx, with the latter’s Joby J. Ford impressed enough to produce ‘Tatantula Mata’. The band have even attracted the attention of cult label Deep Elm to release the thing. ‘127 La Brea’ throws plenty of whammy guitar on top of the spiky melodic punk assault and it works a treat (8/10). - Rock Sound

Remember the late ’80s early ’90s? I don’t mean to age my readers, but remember good, old punk? Well, there is a punk re-birthing known as Punk N’ Roll. Punk N’ Roll takes the best of Punk, Hardcore, Rock N’ Roll, Punkabilly, Psychobilly, and Surf Punk and throws it into one category that is taking the Punk scene and giving it a new identity for the 21st Century. This Drama and their new release Tarantula Mata are taking this new definition to heart. This Drama are locals to the Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco and Spain - hence the audible Spanish lyrics and spontaneous Spanish influence on their music. Asdrubal Marichal, front man and vocalist; Fran Saavedra, guitar; Ignacio Recio, guitar; Yapa Quiros, bass and Miguel Arimany, drums make up this vocal crossover group. This Drama have been hooked up with some of the biggest producers and masters in the industry such as Joby J. Ford (The Bronx), Beau Burchell (Saosin, Underoath), and Roger Lian (Coheed And Cambria, Thrice, Deftones). No wonder Tarantula Mata sounds as good as it does. This is the second release for This Drama and it will sure not be their last. The entire album is just chalked full of punky goodness. There is everything driving, everything peppy, everything defiant and everything roaring throughout all of Tarantula Mata. It starts off with “Espera Miseria” - a Spanish anthem that kicks major ass. The vocals are full and understood over the shredding guitar riffs and pounding drums. The band breaks down and does a faux fade out, only to come back in and finish off strong. “127 La Brea” is next with a full sound, heavy cowbell, and catchy melody. This is the essential Punk. But then, something magical happens near the end of the piece. There is a slight diminish in intensity as auxiliary hand drums come in which soon consumes the sound stage. Such a natural instrument sounds beautiful against the fading Punk chords. “El Baile De La Muerte” is the standard punk chart as well. The guitars have a touch of grunge and the drums are pounding on the cymbals. “La Santera” has an awesome riff halfway through that just brings the idea back of Punk N’ Roll, the all encompassing genre. Different style ideas just flow throughout. “Five Years” is a great song to have in the middle of the album as it keeps everything going, yet is rightfully used as a transition between the beginning and the end of the album. “Five Years” has more instrumental parts than most of the other songs which gives time for you to relax and comprehend the past and future of the album. “Seaside” and “Hollywood Quema” sum up the album in rightful fashion. Both have strong vocals and strong guitar riffs. This Drama has set the bar high for their second album. It will be interesting to see where Tarantula Mata takes the group. Already, they have been featured in video games and on a number of TV shows over many networks. This Drama has it made. - AltSounds

Even the most enthusiastic punk-rock devotee would be forgiven for failing to name a punk band from the sunny holiday destination of Tenerife. In fact, it’s probably fair to say that, outside of the Canaries, the small Spanish resort is not exactly well-known for its exports in hardcore music. However, unlike the island’s volcano El Teide, it seems that Tenerife’s punk-rock scene is far from dormant.

"Tarantula Mata" is the new mini-album from This Drama, a five-piece hardcore band from the largest of the Canary Islands. Having already received some impressive reviews for their debut LP ‘San Diego XIII’ last year, the group haven’t wasted any time in capitalising on this previous success by letting loose their latest offering.

Anyone imagining Tenerife’s first punk exports to sound like some kind of cheery melodic hardcore should think again. Adding to their existing list of credentials, This Drama have enlisted the production talents of Joby J Ford, guitarist with LA hardcore rockers The Bronx. Ford, who recently worked with Trash Talk on their album "Eyes and Nines", is no stranger to a bit of brutality when it comes to punk-rock music, so prospective listeners should know exactly what to expect.

From the word go on opening track ‘Espera Miseria’, This Drama pack a fierce, high-energy punch that hits like a speeding train of punk-rock ferocity. The furious vocals of frontman Asdrubal Marichal, combined with relentless guitars and frantic drumming, make for an irresistibly entertaining listen. The mixture of breakneck-speed hardcore and heavy rock guitars makes their sound quite similar to that of the aforementioned Bronx, whilst still managing to retain their own unique style.

The bluesy hard-rock music that kicks off next track ‘127 La Brea’ could almost be something by AC/DC or the like, but despite the more rhythmical intro, This Drama soon pick up the pace as the song turns into another high-impact blast of punk chaos. Elsewhere, the CD is loaded with infectious guitar riffs, tuneful rhythms and harmonious vocals that add some pleasant-sounding flavours to the recklessness on display.

The only real complaint about this album is that, reaching only about twenty minutes in length, it’s far too short. In spite of this, "Tarantula Mata" is a fantastic CD that’s packed full of enough passionate and hectic rock music to please most punk fans. This Drama have proved that, even if the Canary Islands don’t have much to offer the world in terms of hardcore music, This Drama certainly do. Hopefully, their next release will be a proper full-length album filled with the same kind of intense energy and, maybe, we will see some equally impressive Tenerife-based bands follow in their footsteps. - RoomThirteen

Hailing from the Canary Islands, This Drama play the sort of high energy, pulsating melodic punk that resides somewhere amid SoCal punk rock scene's early days and current harder edged guitar driven punk bands, though it does remain tuneful and harmonic from beginning to end with just a smattering of screaming/yelping.

From the first chord struck here, This Drama lay down track after track of angular guitar work, intense rhythms, and raw vocals that move between English and Spanish. With guitar riffs large enough to parallel arena rock status and excellent production bringing the most out of each track, the 7 songs here leave you wanting more- the true mark of an excellent disc.

With the influx of art noise and keyboards into indie rock, it's nice to hear something loud, urgent and laced with passion that straigh up rocks and rolls.... - Go211

Looking for some new, original music to make sure your mundane Monday turns into a kick-ass Tuesday? Look no further than This Drama. Unlike your drama, This Drama is something to look forward to you and doesn’t involve you sleeping on the couch.

This band from the Canary Islands is like a gust of ocean air, snapping you out of the daze induced by passion-starved pop music with a little saltiness followed by a whole lot of goodness. This Drama fuses the intensity of modern punk with the great guitar and raw vocals and instrumentation of classic rock.

Tarantula Mata is a trip to punk rock beach littered with catchy riffs, and fat, fuzzy rhythms that seem ready to explode into a storm of distortion. This Drama shows that you don’t need excessive studio frills to produce intense music, relying instead on pure human energy, eschewing overproduction and just straight up rocking. You’ll find wah-drenched solos, driving percussion and possibly your new favorite band on Tarantula Mata. - Bloginity