Downtown Boys sound fiercer than ever on “Somos Chulas (No Somos Pendejas)”

Last month, Rhode Island’s Downtown Boys signed to Sub Pop Records with promise of major label debut later this year. It was also promised that Fugazi’s Guy Picciotto would oversee the sessions for that album, but if that sounded too good to be true, the proof is finally here. Their new single “Somos Chulas (No Somos Pendejas),” which translates to “We’re Elegant/Intelligent (We’re not Dumb),” is available for streaming below.

Even if you haven’t taken a Spanish class in almost five years (like me), you’ll still have an idea of where Downtown Boys are coming from here. Victoria Ruiz seethes with righteous anger as she sings the titular hook, while a pogo drum beat and frantic guitar lines make this one of their most intense offerings yet. The band has described the track on their Facebook page as “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.” It’s a lofty, vital stance to take and just the sort of thing we need to hear right now.

Downtown Boy’s April 20th show with Paint It Black is already sold out, but you can still catch theme this March 23rd at Everybody Hits. For tickets and more information, head over to XPN’s Concert Calendar.