The askew gazed despondent nihilism of "In Death" by Ralpheene

AP Track Review

In Death by El Paso punk duo Ralpheene speaks to me. First of all the sound is raw and potent. Secondly, at first listen the lead vox felt sort of androgynous and that has always appealed to me for some reason. I suppose I like to not be sure and a voice that kind of inhabits the emotional pull of male and female speaks to my sense of discovery. Thirdly, brothers Michael and Ray Peregrino keep it simple, passionate and fully driven, at least on this track (my first introduction to Ralpheene) the feelings of youth with all it's imperfections, big lows and big highs, askew gazed despondent nihilism is felt and that is a good thing. Their Facebook page show Michelle Delgado as the third wheel and I don't mean that in the "3rd wheel" sort of way. I am assuming he is their live addition but I might be wrong. I hope they never go bigger than 3 piece though because small is the very best way to go for their raw sound. I thought of early Surf Curse and Chalk Talk a bit while listening. 

In Death is from the band's 2019 full length, "Raise The Sick, Heal The Dead"

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Robb Donker






THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM- PRESS NOTES:

Ralpheene is an indie rock duo consisting of brothers Michael and Ray Peregrino, based out of El Paso, Tx. who bond through making a racket and recording that racket at home.