The Austin, Texas outfit Starving Wolves treat us to 11 charged and diverse tunes here, where the front man, David Rodriguez, brings his Mexican-American heritage to both English and Spanish singing across this emotive and powerful sophomore album.

The calm, horn-filled climate of “Nothing More” opens the listen, where Reeve Allen’s thumping drums enter, as does Kevin Nguyen’s razor sharp guitar, all of which suit Rodriguez’s throaty pipes via the hardcore punk energy.

“Burn The Stations” follows and makes an impression in under a minute via the throbbing rhythm section and biting singing, and “Mixed Blood” continues the intensity thanks to Zach Volta’s dense bass lines and the well-timed gang vocals.

The middle of the album belongs to “Tracks On The Tank” and “Right Eye.” The former rumbles with ’80s ideas and a searing guitar solo, while the latter illuminates Rodriguez’s sturdy rasp amid the melodic textures that are suited for the both the pit and the dance floor. “Alec’s Song,” the longest track at nearly five minutes and one of the best, then pays close attention to mood by way of the thundering backdrop that’s nearly dreamy before building into tense and swift, raging territory.

Close to the end, a love song of sorts, “Love Is Fleeting,” recruits swirling guitars to the gruff punk, and “Wildfire” exits with no lack of harmony invading the sing-alongs and infectious songwriting.

A fantastic listen for punk fans that can bring to mind legends like Rancid, Black Flag, or The Clash, Starving Wolves began as the street punk band Krum Bums. Now with the previously mentioned members plus Josh Langford on guitar, they parallel the greatness of Latin punks like Flores Y Fuego and Los Crudos, which is about as high a compliment as exists.

Rating: A

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