Two years ago, as the co-host of a d.i.y. venue in Philadelphia, I found myself serving warm beers and soggy tofu to some very agreeable gents from Argentina. This was my first encounter with Boom Boom Kid and his band. They seemed to be a rather mild-mannered bunch, but that quiet persona was shed in the frenzy which ensued from the moment they took the stage. Their exuberance reminded me of an earlier, simpler time; an era before melodic punk and hardcore were dragged through the gutters of trendiness and beaten repeatedly with the Glossy Commercialization Stick until presumed dead.

Boom Boom (a.k.a. Carlos Rodriguez) got his start in the early days of the Buenos Aires Hardcore scene, singing for Fun People. Unlike most of the other Argentine hardcore bands at the time, Fun People shunned the prevalent tough guy attitude, adopting more of a bleeding heart peace punk agenda. They also diversified their musical style more than most, developing a snappy melodic feel that was appealing even if you aren’t a devout hardcore disciple.

By the time Fun People disbanded in 2000, they had become increasingly eclectic, so much so that “melodic hardcore” seems too narrow a definition. There were hints of  influences such as 80’s new wave, post-punk, and even some kitschy acoustic love ballads tossed in for good measure. Boom Boom Kid continued this trend without missing a beat. The garden medley of epic hardcore, sing-along punk, and nostalgic ballads still seems to work for the now twenty year punk veteran. His grassroots ideals have also remained, and despite growing popularity in South America, he continues to show a preference for doing things d.i.y. style.

If you have a soft spot for melodic punk, Boom Boom Kid is definitely worth checking out. For those who aren’t familiar with the Argentine scene, I can think of no better way to get acquainted than by picking up one of his records. Espontaneos Momentos De 2×2 Es 16 Odas Al Dada Tunes on Ugly Records is the most recent LP, and probably easiest to find in the U.S.

Boom Boom and the band are currently back in the U.S. this fall, despite forbidding gas prices and a crumbling world economy, spreading the same bouncy optimism as ever. The east coast leg of the tour is now over, but a handful of dates still remain in California and Oregon (see below).

Nov 1st, Club Feral, San Francisco CA
Nov 2nd, 924 Gilman, Berkeley CA
Nov 6th, Oakland House, Oakland CA
Nov 7th, Wedgewood Manor, Portland OR
Nov. 8th, Cook and Williams, Portland OR

Boom Boom Kid website:
http://www.bbkidz.tk/

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