Los Gusanos - Los Gusanos (1997) [Japan Press] RESTORED

Los Gusanos may sound like the name of a Latin group, but it's actually the New York-based foursome that C.J. of the Ramones fame founded when he was still with the pioneering Queens punk outfit in 1992. Ward had joined The Ramones in 1989, when he replaced founding member and bassist Dee Dee Ramone. Ward started Los Gusanos as a side project three years later, and at first, he had no idea that his band would evolve into his main gig. Not very Ramones-sounding, Los Gusanos isn't actually a punk band but does have a punk-influenced energy and attitude. While Ward was strictly a bassist in The Ramones, Los Gusanos has found him singing lead and playing rhythm guitar.

When The Ramones officially called it quits after being together for around 20 years, Los Gusanos became a full-time pursuit for Ward. With Ward joined by "Dirty" Ed Lynch on lead guitar, "Big" John Chadwick on bass and Bo "Lefty" Matheson on drums, the band put out a few singles (including a cover of Ten Years After's "I'd Love To Change The World") before recording its self-titled debut album in 1997.

Anyone who expected Los Gusanos to sound a lot like the Ramones was in for a major surprise upon hearing this self-titled debut album, which was a departure from the type of manic, high-speed punk rock that Chris Ward had embraced during his years with that band. Singer/bassist Ward doesn't try to emulate Joey Ramone's vocals; nor does he embrace the Ramones' goofy, twisted brand of humor. In short, Los Gusanos is Ward doing his own thing, and on this likable CD, that means simple, aggressive, bare-bones Rock & Roll that isn't punk rock per se but does express a punkish attitude. Punk prided itself on its lack of slickness, and slickness is the last thing you'll find on unpretentious tunes like "Burnin'", "Dead Man's Curve" and "Helldorado". Although not a masterpiece, this is an album that's effective and rockin'.

~ Alex Henderson, all media guide

Tracklist:

01. Bad Day
02. Carve Your Name
03. Helldorado
04. Low
05. Dead Man's Curve
06. Blue Sky
07. Burnin'
08. Reciprocal
09. Strip
10. Go Again
11. Arizona
12. On My Way

all songs by Los Gusanos


Recorded at Dare Studio, Deer Park, NYC. by Mike Epstein
Mixed by Daniel Rey. Mastered at Masterdisc, NYC. by Howie Weinberg.

• C.J. Ward - vocals, rhythm guitar
• Ed Lynch - lead guitar
• John Chadwick - bass
• Frank Saitta - drums

Release Date: July 24, 1997
Format: Original Recording (1st press - rental copy)
Label: King Records Co. Ltd., Japan
Catalog No.: KICP-581