Feature: Las Nubes Confronts Life's Challenges with Fiery Sophomore Album 'Tormentas Malsanas' - Atwood Magazine

      Miami's Las Nubes plunge into the heart of their intense sophomore album ‘Tormentas Malsanas’ – a dynamic and swirling alternative rock storm with a distinctly punk vibe that gets to the essence of life itself, all while being exceptionally loud.

      Stream: “Would Be” – Las Nubes

      The first thing that stands out about Las Nubes is their incredible volume. They have every reason to be loud: with all that life has thrown at them – and at all of us – in the past few years, Ale Campos and Emile Milgrim have earned their right to make some noise. However, their noise is not just for the sake of noise; as Iggy Pop, the Godfather of Punk, has remarked, “Las Nubes are far and away the hottest band in Miami, and the most socially relevant. They rock from the soul, covered in tattoos and attitude. They represent an uncompromising lifestyle trend that is the future.” The band’s sophomore album captures all this and more as they endure various storms, fighting to survive in an increasingly adversarial environment – both literally and metaphorically. As unapologetic as it is resolute, ‘Tormentas Malsanas’ strikes hard and leaves a deep impression as Las Nubes confront the chaos and struggles of simply getting by in the 21st Century.

      It’s a sonically and emotionally charged alternative rock storm with an unmistakable punk edge – an album filled with fierce riffs and raw emotion that addresses the very core of existence, all while being incredibly loud.

      ‘Tormentas Malsanas’ – Las Nubes

      My life’s gone by

      Why isn’t anything easy anymore?

      My time is over.

      I can’t endure it,

      the years have rushed by.

      And I know

      the more I give,

      the less I receive.

      – “Would Be,” Las Nubes

      Released on June 14th, 2024, through Miami-based indie label Sweat Records, ‘Tormentas Malsanas’ is an outrageous, roaring, and uninhibited masterpiece. Five years after their debut album, SMVT, the long-anticipated second LP sees Ale Campos and Emile Milgrim refining their garage and punk-influenced sound while simultaneously broadening their artistic vision, experimenting with their music, and delving deeper into themselves and their surroundings.

      Their ambition shines through in the sweeping ten-minute epic, “Caricia” – a definite highlight of the album – while their lyrical prowess is most evident in bold tracks like “Pesada,” which critiques performative activism, and “Would Be.”

      Las Nubes © Sal Rispoli

      As Campos and Milgrim explain, this collection has been a long time in the making – and they couldn’t be happier with the outcome. “From start to finish, this record took about five years to write and record,” Las Nubes share with Atwood Magazine. “We didn't start writing it with a clear vision in 2019, but one of the songs was composed before our debut album SMVT was released. A few more tracks came together during the pandemic, allowing us more time to write and arrange. The processes of demo-ing, rehearsing, recording, re-writing (in some instances), mixing, and mastering took about two of those five years."

      “At first, much of it felt chaotic to us,” they add. “Not in a ‘spaghetti at the wall’ manner, but more in that we were experimenting and going through personal changes during the entire creation process. After we had all the songs, it became clear that there were strong thematic connections between them, and the arrangements were much more intricate and sophisticated compared to our debut. We were evolving as individuals and as a band. Many of these changes occurred during the extended recording process and helped unify the album into what could be seen as a ‘vision,’ framed retrospectively.”

      “While working on ‘Tormentas,’ we became better listeners, musicians, writers, and friends. Most of the tracks on our debut were penned by Ale before there was a complete band or shared direction. Those songs are great, but we believe these are even better. At least, that’s our take."

      Las Nubes © Sal Rispoli

      Las Nubes characterize ‘Tormentas Malsanas’ as heavy (“interpret that however you wish”), cathartic, and saudade. The title reflects the inner and outer chaos we all face. “Literally translated to ‘Unhealthy Storms,’ the title alludes to how life events, relationships, and sociopolitical issues, coupled with mental health challenges and constant change, can be likened to severe weather that seems to make everything impossible. Yet, sometimes things resolve in the end – ‘everything will return to place.’ It's also a nod to the tumultuous and oppressive summer-year-round of Miami, our hometown.”

      The journey from the album opener