Perdido Nino – Innocence Lost

Perdido Nino embodies a brash chaotic energy on the maelstrom of “Innocence Lost”. A completely maddening array of guitar licks, unhinged solos, pure thrash, is unleashed upon the listener. Such a wild universe comes through, heavily rooted in hard rock, metal, even touching upon elements of grunge, garage rock, and the blues. Layer upon layer merges into a singular stream of consciousness. Vocals divulge a greater versatility, from a pure assault of rage to subtler hues. Lyrics have an incredible array of detail woven into them, both encompassing elements of poetry and storytelling. No matter what the volume deserves to be blasted for this is an experience to be felt.
References reign supreme throughout. On the metal side of things, they incorporate elements of Shining’s intensity, Deafheaven’s balance of fury and thoughtfulness, and early-era Metallica. All of this comes together into a gorgeous whole. The folk influences in particular add to the Metallica flavor of some of the work, for their ability to let things build slowly feels majestic. For a more grunge approach they touch upon Alice in Chains at their most mystical. By bringing these many pieces together they create virtual symphonies, for the way the band plays off each other add to the sense of grandeur.
Bookended by two absolute beasts, the album begins on a reflective note with “No Fiction”. Lush guitars work themselves into a frenzy, eventually becoming a speed-induced ride through a vast territory. For the final stretch of the work he lets up a little bit to give it a well-earned classically leaning crescendo. Aptly named “Concrete” has a brutality to it, becoming ever more uneasy. With “Pillow” they embrace a giddy energy, as a bit of hope comes into the fray. Stripping things down to the essentials the eerie “Vixi” explores concepts of space to such a thrilling degree. A true joy to behold “The Moment” serves as the highlight of the album with an incredible hook that never gets lost, but rather shines through the whole trip.
“Emo Lumberjack” goes for a lumbering threatening aura as the drums have a force of nature quality to them. Rather beautiful “Leaves” forgoes the electric completely for a darkened atmosphere. Such an animalistic impulse defines the complete rush of “Ghost” as it refuses to let up. Perfectly bringing the whole of the album together is the grandeur of “Innocence Lost” which neatly summarizes all that came before it.
“Innocence Lost” proves to be a true classic, something that shows off Perdido Nino’s ability to create an entire universe one that has such a tremendous display of color.