Of the many punk bands that are active in South America, I.R.A. has the distinction of being one of the few who has soldiered on in the face of many challenges. Not immune to the troubles of their native Colombia, the band has been active since 1985, releasing a handful of singles and three full-length albums. Epidemia de Infexion Respiratoria Aguda is the third and latest of these efforts. The disc has 30 tracks – of which one is split into two videos by the band – and the closer a nine song live medley.

They fluctuate between political and somewhat humorous stances; however, there is seriousness to their work as a whole. Classic tracks are “Atentado Terrorista” and “Lo Que Ustedes se Merecen.” At one point this band claimed five members, but life in Medellín offers few distractions, and they are currently scaled down to the trio of Monica on drums and vocals, Gabriel on bass/vocals, and Viola guitar/vocals: the smiling boy in the back of the 1996 compact disc, Crónicas de una Década Podrida, has become a snarling mohawk punk! Monica also hails from that line-up and her vocals are completely unperturbed by taking on the skins. Her delivery is raw as fuck and her drumming is metronomic and powerful!

This past summer (2004) they toured around the United States and were well received by fans. Their punk rock has a fine tradition, people interested in Colombian punk and the society that has formed its fierceness should check out the great film by Victor Gaviria, 1990’s Rodrigo D: No Futuro (Rodrigo D: No Future). I believe it is available from Kino Video and Music Video Distributors. Fans of Discharge, Masskontrol, and Fleas And Lice will dig them; Spanish-only lyrics will not detract from its hardcore authenticity and message. If they ever make it through again, make sure you check them out.

Abel Folgar

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 Past Constructive Criticism

HERVIN posted the following Constructive Criticism: solo escribo esto pa decirle a todos que ira es una chimba. es lo mejor de punk hardcore en colombia.

JUAN posted the following Constructive Criticism: NO TENGO CRITICAS PUESTO QUE ME GUSTA MUCHU ESTA BANDA

Tom posted the following Constructive Criticism: I saw this band at Churchill's in Miami and they absolutely rocked the crowds socks off. One of the most exciting performances I've seen. Can't find this CD, though...any suggestions on where I could track it down?

michael posted the following Constructive Criticism: hola tios solamente queria escuchar su musica