Upon A Burning Body

Straight from the Barrio

San Antonio, Texas born and raised, in 2005 was when this band was made. Upon A Burning Body was formed in 2005 and have been very heavily inspired by the Texan/Hispanic cultures present in the San Antonio area. Many songs written by Upon A Burning Body have lyrics that are in Spanish, which at first glance may seem odd. Danny Leal (lead vocalist) is able to incorporate the spanish so well in these songs that you can really tell it fits with the songs perfectly. The 5th album from the band Straight from the Barrio “barrio means neighborhood” in Spanish, and is my favorite album released by the group. The perfect mix of Texan aggression and Hispanic heritage combined into an album.

So many songs on this album incorporate Spanish in the main lyrics but the song were it really shows is ” ‘Til The Break of Dawn”. The first song you hear when you play the album, you will notice the acoustic guitar being used as well as an electric guitar. This added acoustic helps bring forth the traditional Hispanic sound which only makes you want to jam out and head bang harder than before. The main chorus incorporates english and spanish perfectly by using the translated lyrics in the chorus along with the Spanish lyrics.

” Vamos a pistear, toda la noche
We like to party all night long
Estamos despiertos hasta que el sol sale
We’re rolling ’til the break of dawn, baby”

Upon A Burning Body really knows how to incorporate a new language to many people and use it to draw in new lisinters. That is one reason why I continue to listen to the band and what also drew me into this album in the first place. Other amazing songs off of this album that I recommend are: “Already Broken”, “Media Blackout”, and “Distorted Reflection”.

My favorite song off this album is titled “B.M.F.” which is heavily inspired by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The music video alone is enough evidence to see the influence of The Fresh Prince and the legacy the show has made. Leal actually has The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air logo tattooed on his left inner bicep. The first 15 seconds of the song start off with an alarm clock blaring and straight into a hard drum beating with heavy bass strumming. It is an intro that really sets itself apart from the other songs on the album, it makes you want to pay attention and wait for what is to come next. The unique vocals from Leal really set him apart as well from the conventional vocalist. When the chorus kicks in the instrumentals are turned down and you can really hear the lyrics, which makes this song sound even greater.

“Y’all wanna tear this place up
give me a Hell yeah!
Y’all wanna burn this place down
let me hear Hell yeah!”

That chorus just makes you want to start in on the riot and chant along with the band. I know started chanting along with once or twice and it is some serious fun. The guitar throughout the entire song is so light compared to other bands, but that is what makes this song so great and different. Definitely one of the best instrumental moments in the whole album.

I enjoyed the album overall and I would give it a solid 4 out of 5 to rate how good it is, but I did find some issues with the album. For example in the first 10 seconds of ” ‘Til the Break of Dawn”, they begin saying some Spanish words and they are translated to say basically if you live in Texas get ready to party. Meaning that the song is going to be “good” which is true, however I feel that it was very unnecessary to add that line. Also, on a few of the songs when Leal is done singing, majority of the time the song just stops with 10 seconds of silence. I really hate that because there is potential to end the song with an amazing conclusion but it just left the ending hanging.

Straight from the Barrio is truly a different take with incorporating both Spanish and English lyrics, as well as bringing out their home of Texas in all of there songs. The band does an amazing job of making all of their songs feel like yeah this band is definitely from Texas. I highly recommend this album for all fans of deathcore. Below are pictures of more Upon A Burning Body albums that I recommend as well.