The UK proto-punk outfit Los Pepes return with a sixth album, offering 12 tunes of infectious songwriting and stories of nihilism, love and heartache that embraces power-pop, garage-rock and rock’n’roll flavors and surrounds the “void” of political strife, conspiracy and its accompanying stupidity.

The driving guitars and quick rhythm section of “Thoughtless Boys” starts and makes an impression thanks to its sharp melodies and Ben Perrier’s distinct singing. “Molly Coddle” then follows with Seisuke Nakagawa’s playful bass playing amid Kris Kowalski’s punchy drums via plenty of old-school punk ideas.

Closer to the middle, “New Christians” is full of head bobbin’ and toe tappin’ sensibilities in a Ramones-on-steroids sort of way, while “Sweet Appeasement” recruits Will Hindmarsh’s tuneful keyboards for a heartfelt climate that’s a bit hazy, too. “Future History,” one of the best of the best, then uses harmonic power-pop dynamics that invites singing along to the catchy chorus.

There’s more greatness at the end, including the harsher singing of the bouncy “Short Term Solutions,, as well as the dreamy spirit of “All I Got Is Time,” where Gui Rujao’s intricate guitar playing won’t go unnoticed. “Tomorrow And Today” exits the listen, and, no surprise, it’s packed with bristling guitars, a snappy rhythm section, tuneful primary vocals and well placed backing vocals from Emily Jarret.

An absolutely fantastic outing, Los Pepes are versed in reverb fueled moments, surf nods and plenty of retro rock’n’roll that channels the spirits of Joey Ramone and Jay Reatard. Parallels to more recent bands include The Oxys, Taste Testors, The Cavemen or DEEcracks, but if you’re a fan of anything punk, garage or power-pop inspired, don’t waste any more time and buy this now. You’ll thank me later.

Rating: A

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