Oakland Post-Punk Project Nuevo Cuerpo Debuts Video for “Alma Malcriada”

From the quiet of pandemic-induced solitude, Andres Ruiz—known for his work with False Figure and Adrenochrome—has birthed Nuevo Cuerpo, a post-punk endeavor rooted deeply in the aesthetics and spirit of La Movida, the cultural renaissance that swept through Madrid in the late ’70s and early ’80s following the demise of Franco’s regime.

Recorded and mixed in his home studio beginning in 2020, the project embodies the hope for renewal that defined the era it reveres. Andres Ruiz utilizes high compression and lo-fi drum machine loops in an effort to replicate the essence of a rediscovered demo tape from that time, a notion underscored by the EP’s unique tape-only release. This methodical approach not only honors the original sound but also enhances the authenticity of the experience, transporting those engaged back to a pivotal moment of cultural reset.

In Alma Malcriada, or “Mischievous Soul,” a song led by a thunderous guitar riff, Andres Ruiz employs his rich, echoing baritone to probe the depths of love and loss. His voice aims not just to soothe but to stun, weaving through an entrancing rhythm and infectious melody. Singing in his native Spanish, Ruiz taps into the profound angst and longing that define the traditional ballads of Mexico and Latin America. This dual edge of Nuevo Cuerpo—equally suited to solitary reflection via Walkman or to the pulsating energy of a dimly lit dance floor—illustrates Ruiz’s adept manipulation of mood and cultural resonance.

The video, helmed by Marcelle Marais (known for her work with Vorlust and Tritonia), adopts a dichromatic style, pairing the straightforward lyrics with a form of artistic minimalism. This approach strips the visual experience to its core, allowing the stark simplicity of the words to resonate more profoundly.

Watch the video for “Alma Malcriada” below:

Alma Malcriada is out now via Transylvanian Recordings. You can order the cassette here.

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