Inspired by the fuzzy swirl of ’60s garage and psychedelia, Chilean trio La Hell Gang started developing their own dusty, swaggering sounds in the late 2000s. Made up of guitarist/vocalist Francisco Cábala (aka KB Cabala), drummer Nes, and bassist Sarwin, La Hell Gang recorded their first album, Just What Is Real, in a single day in 2009. The album was tracked straight to analog eight-track tape and used vintage amps, pedals, and microphones to capture a sound just as hazy and retrofitted as the gear it was made with. It would be a few years before the album saw the light of day, however, as Hell Gang was temporarily shelved while Cabala spent some time focusing on his other band, Chicos de Nazca. More unexpectedly, Cabala also dedicated a good amount of time and focus to his own solo electronic music, which took inspiration from the grainy textures of artists such as Boards of Canada. Just What Is Real eventually saw release in 2013 on BYM Records, and follow-up Thru Me Again appeared the next year on the Mexican Summer imprint. ~ Fred Thomas
Originaire de Santiago du Chili, LA Hell Gang joue un rock noir et psychotrope qui a emballé le label Mexican Summer (maison mère de Kurt Vile et Connan Mockasin). On pense souvent à une version cramée au soleil du Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Une musique qui respire le soufre et l’odeur du cuir élimé.
