Nestled in the artistic alleys of Buenos Aires, a particular sonic tale has been spinning, knitting a web that draws in listeners from every corner of the globe. This is the story of Testículo and their newest auditory foray, “Elementos del Terror.”
When one dives into the origins of Testículo, a picture emerges of a band born from the chaotic confluence of creative energies at Casa López in August 2019.
The journey of this music project from Buenos Aires has seen them traverse a path marked by shifts and evolutions.
It began with an ever-changing lineup, constantly tinkering and experimenting, which is not uncommon for bands in their fledgling stages. It was during this phase of transformation that cassette recordings surfaced, putting forth the distinct vocal prowess of Marcos Gonzalez Cutre and the digital drum pulses of Yordi con J. But the narrative took a decisive turn with the 2020 release of the album “Mutilaciones,” a trifecta of demos that saw Marcos at the helm. This was more than an album; it was an assertion of Testículo’s sonic identity.
By the time 2022 rolled in, “Elementos del Terror” began taking shape. The recordings saw the band return to Pulpería Antídoto. Guiding them through this auditory exploration were Carlos Ángel Luppi and Árwy – notable names in Buenos Aires’ soundscape, recognized for their musical endeavors with Ave Parva, Arcanas XIII, and pantanosumpf, among others. Currently, both these maestros, alongside Pedro999 of Sto Fue Tdo and Vertts + Pedro999 fame, contribute to the unique soundscape that defines Testículo.
As one listens to Testículo, it’s evident that their sonic narrative is a layered offering.
Their soundscape, rooted in darkwave, post-punk, and art-punk, unfurls with haunting lyrical tales, deep vocals that seem to echo from fathomless depths, meticulously crafted electronic drum patterns, and basslines that pulsate with a palpable boldness.
It’s akin to stepping into an alternate realm – immersive, a tad melancholic, but always intriguing.
But the upcoming “Elementos del Terror” isn’t just a testament to Testículo’s intriguing art. It’s a global celebration of music, with remixes from a myriad of international artists: the beats of Pedro999, Raíz Savia, Bikatronika, 1134_, and Sauren Kids from Argentina; Dataísmo’s Mexican reverberations; the Spanish tunes of Squaric and The Hombre Invisible; the Grecian echoes of Grey Gallows; the Polish harmonies of Rozmazani; the Romanian rhythms of ProAntiAnti; the soulful strains from Georgia by Henry Keller; and the Far East nuances of Fuyama Yousuke and Jin Cromanyon from Japan.
The record, which is set to drop on December 8, 2023, is jointly christened by two labels, Periphylla (a sublabel of Diffuse Reality) and the celebrated pantanosumpf. Both serve as a testament to the expansive reach and collaborative nature of this release.
Yet, among the array of remixes, one that distinctly stands out is the rendition by Dataísmo. This Mexico-based artist’s take on “Elementos del Terror” is more than just a remix; it’s a reimagination. Melding the ethereal darkwave undertones of Testículo’s original with a raw punk flair, Dataísmo’s treatment of the song becomes a synthesis of a new genre, one where darkwave meets unfiltered punk in a dance of power and emotion.
While the original “Elementos del Terror” had its own pulsating heartbeat – a product of the enchanting Buenos Aires nights and the genius of Testículo, Dataísmo’s reimagining infuses a raw energy, one that tingles the spine and rushes through the veins. Every beat, every note resonates with the fused spirit of Argentina and Mexico – two nations with rich musical heritages, yet constantly evolving in their sonic expressions.
This haunting approach to “Elementos del Terror” is an audacious blend of the old and the new, the eerie and the raw. The remix infuses a refreshing vigor into Testículo’s darkwave sensibilities, capturing the listener in a relentless grip from the first note to the last. The union of these two Latin American powerhouses promises a spellbinding track that is bound to leave an indelible mark on anyone who ventures its way.
Fans of darkwave, punk, and music that dares to defy the conventional are in for a treat.
