South Side Chicago’s own, Fantasma Negra return with their latest EP, LUST, a six-track project that leans deep into the elements of goth, garage rock, and post punk genre.
With their musical heart rooted in their community, “La Villita,” Fantasma Negra carries the pride of being one of the many talented bands based on the South Side of Chicago. Their music is a blend of English and Spanish, honoring their roots not just in the sounds, but through action, supporting local causes and carving out spaces for the Latino community in the Chicago DIY scene.
As one of the many bands emerging from Chicago’s local scene, Fantasma Negra has grown through their punk energy, embracing darkness and bridging their creative sound into the limelight.
The band is composed of Alicia Gonzalez (Vocals), Gus Matchain (Bassist), Dave Grek (Lead Guitar), Fabian Arroyo (Synth), and Henry Rocha (Drums).
Here’s a run-down of the songs on their EP, LUST:
Track 1 – “Feathers”
Right from the start, at just 0:15 mark, “Feathers” launches the EP with an intense feeling of entering into another dimension. Driven by adrenaline through each instrument, the track quickly builds into a cohesive dreamscape. The lead singer (Alicia Gonzalez) vocals float effortlessly luring listeners into a dreamer’s state of mind. Her impeccable vocal performance adds an extra layer of emotional depth that ties the band’s sound together as a whole.It’s showcased through the lyrics, “starved by emotions” uproots the song’s melody and invites listeners to bring their own experiences into the theme, the yearning for something you shouldn’t have.
Track 2 – “Bite Marks”
The sentimental feelings portrayed in “Bite Marks” explores the emotional entanglement of love. You get a sense from the bilingual perspective from the line, “Juntos nos vemos al final del mundo,” translating to “together we see each other to the end of the world.” The rhythm grooves with a dark romantic energy of electrifying upbeats creating an addictive sound. ‘Bite Marks’ tells a story of desire so deeply ingrained it becomes impossible to shake, leaving an imprint on the soul.
Track 3: “Bliss”
An undeniable standout! This song was released as the third single back in May, “Bliss” lives up to the name from delivering a euphoric soundwave. The guitar shred at the 1:58 timestamp can reflect a tribute to the 80’s punk – goth acts tied with raw edge influences. This track opens with the lines, “Please don’t take my love away” captures the emotional stakes worth fighting for. Despite the chaos and complications love can bring, it’s the very feeling that drives us the need to hold on.
Track 4 – “Bailar”
“Bailar” channels the upbeat energy of Spanish punk, showcasing Fantasma Negra’s deep roots in the post-punk scene. If you’re feeling the need to mosh or even giving yourself a need to let it out, this track captures both rebellions and rhythm in equal parts. The line “Quiero irme de esta ciudad” which translates to “I want to leave this city” perfectly captures the song’s emotional need to escape for a moment in time. “Bailar” which translates to “Dancing” is a hard hitting track you simply can’t help but move to. This energetic sound captures Fantasma Negra’s spirit, making it very clear this song was made for one purpose, to dance.
Track 5 – “Heat”
From its eerie synth intro, “Heat” immediately sets a mood, evoking a matrix-like soundwave built throughout the track. This was the second single initially released in April, creating a gentle luring tone from the line at the beginning, “Here he comes riding on his high horse” portrays the song to inflict the powerful storyline of an individual you don’t want to mess with. It’s post punk but viewed through a futuristic lens. As if you’re stepping into another world, where you’re led through the unknown.
Track 6 – “Closer”
The EP’s first single, “Closer” released earlier this year, captures the ache of longing and deep desire to reconnect. It reflects the emotional pull of memories resurfacing, the urge to reach out to feel close again. At the 2:11 mark, the line, “Face your fate, but take your time “ captures the emotional intensity of lust that feels both intimate and consuming. It’s no surprise the song ends with the word, “Mine” a final, possessive echo that has been expressed throughout the track. A heavy baseline brings the track to a perfect close, from both haunting and intimate, leaving listeners craving more.
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Fanstama Negra is set to return on stage at Subterranean for their Lust EP release show on August 30th. The band will bring their raw, post-punk energy to life alongside bands CARRELLEE, Velvet Wounds, and Nothing But Silence. For fans of the Chicago DIY scene, especially post-punk enthusiasts, Fantasma Negra is a band you need to see live.
