Apparently, Mujeres’ new album came out months ago. It only recently appeared on Bandcamp and the usual streaming services, which probably sums up the band’s international profile rather well. In Spain, Mujeres has a devoted following. Elsewhere, they’re still far too easy to miss. We only discovered them after catching their brilliant set at Primavera Sound in their hometown of Barcelona. That was ten years ago. Es un Dolor Inexplicable, already the band’s seventh album, is another excellent reason to keep them on your radar.
From the opening one-two punch of Alucinante and Caen Imperios, Mujeres makes it clear they’re in the mood for catchy, punky garage pop with the accelerator pinned to the floor. The gang vocals are as infectious as the melodies, giving the whole record an irresistible communal feel. And the hooks just keep coming. Compared to their previous 2023 LP, the ambitious and rewarding Desde Flores y Entrañas, this is a more direct, no-nonsense affair. But rather than a step backwards, it’s a reminder how great Mujeres are in this kind of stuff.
We may be late to the party, but Es un Dolor Inexplicable still sounds like the soundtrack to the rest of the summer. Better late than never.
Out now on Sonido Muchacho.