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Ray Cordova definitely isn’t new to the Albuquerque punk scene. And his bandmates Brandon Davis (guitar), Alex “Irish” Cantwell (bass) and Matt Chaves (drums) have also had their share of experience playing in other acts and shredding stages at venues across the city – and a good chunk of the country – leaving a trail of rock ’n’ roll wreckage in their wake. Earlier this year, they joined forces with some shredders from the other side of the globe and released a wicked split record with European punk rock outfit Grazer Grant from Graz, Austria. As far as punk subgenres are concerned, the Roadside Memorial La Bajada/Grazer Grant Brutalismis album covers all the bases. It’s jam-packed with fast, catchy, melodic riffs, but as Cordova eloquently puts it, the record doesn’t hesitate to “kick you in the balls” when it needs to. Cordova has been in the game since a lot of the dudes in the current scene were still in diapers, and he’s as well-versed in doing interviews as he is on the mic. He’s stoked to promote this week’s La Bajada record release show and listening party at Flock of Moons Brewing (111 Harvard Dr. SE) featuring Smorgasborg – a hardcore punk trio who are quickly becoming a favorite in the Duke City. Cordova shares a bit of band history, talks about the groups who have inspired Roadside Memorial’s aggressive style and gives props to the venues and various “culprits” who make Albuquerque one of the best places on the planet to catch this type of music. Roadside Memorial have been through the ringer when it comes to living a hard rock lifestyle, but they remain “Unscathed.” Jam the new album and you’ll probably agree that “old heads” like Cordova just keep getting better with age.
Will you describe your sound for us?
Roadside Memorial is a blend of melodic hardcore with some ska, reggae and Oi [punk]. It’s New York-style hardcore punk mixed with early ’80s melodic L.A. and Orange County kind of stuff. Brandon has this crazy style that’s a mixture of so much stuff: bluesy, traditional American hard rock, UK-style rock. He’s an interesting guy because his guitar playing is so universal, but it still has a unique, early-American hardcore sound. He writes all the guitar parts for us, and I write all the melodies and vocals. His guitar playing has so many different layers to it, and I just kind of sing all over it.
I know when to yell and when to give it a more raw vocal style. If I have to sing a melody, I can do that, but if I have to emphasize something, it’s gonna be more of a scream. It’s a blend of all kinds of things. The bass is more of a heavy-hitting, fat bottom, kick you in the balls kind of thing. And then Matt’s just a solid drummer. He comes from a metal background.
What are your favorite venues to play and why?
I love Ren’s Den because it’s all ages and the kids are always so amped up and they’re so enthusiastic. Those kids make me work, and that’s what I love. They make you deliver the show, man. I like anything all-ages – Like Black Wall Gallery – to be honest. I really enjoy the breweries. During afternoon [brewery] matinees, kids are allowed, so it’s like a family thing. But, I mean, if you want to talk about nightclubs, I would say Launchpad, Sister Bar, Moonlight Lounge. I’m happy to play any show, you know? I like house parties because that’s where I came from. That’s where I started. I like any venues that are more than willing to have us.
What are your lyrics about?
I’ve written about everything from a serial killer falling in love with a street woman to somebody that has been through a bad relationship and ends up getting out of it because he just strengthens his way through it. “Sharpest Eye” is about someone who you hope is your best friend, but they’re the type of person who will backstab you. It’s about making sure you’re aware who’s your friend and who’s really not your friend.
What bands or genres inspire your music?
I grew up listening to AM radio: Motown, Philly Soul and, of course, KISS was my real first rock band. A cousin showed me The Ramones and I was hooked. I still do Ramones-type stuff musically in a way. Everything from Black Flag to British Oi bands like The Crack and Cock Sparrer to The Adolescents and even The Wailers. The whole band loves Bad Brains – that’s one of the bands we bonded over. I still love a lot of the extreme metal stuff too. I’m not doing it now, but I still love it. Everybody thinks, “Oh, you’re into punk now.” I’m like, “No, man. I love all of it.”
Jessica Mills is a sax player who orchestrates our rhythm section – they’re called “The Brasstronauts.” She’s actually played in Citizen Fish, and she’s the tour manager for The Subhumans (UK). One of the trumpet players has a mariachi background, and the trombone player’s a school teacher. They’re all professional people.
What is the best show you have ever played and why?
The Scared of Chaka New Year’s Eve party last year [at Launchpad] was sold out. It was Scared of Chaka, us, Sweet Nothin and Get Action. Dave from Scared of Chaka and I grew up together and we played in bands in the ’90s. Another of my favorites was with DRI at Launchpad. If it didn’t sell out, it was packed. The first Ren’s Den show I ever did was really good. I have a lot, they’re all my favorite. I enjoy playing, and if two people like it out of ten, I’m happy.
On Saturday, November 22, come to the listening party [at Flock of Moons] for the new vinyl [Roadside Memorial’s La Bajada via Grazil Records in Austria]. They may have their own way of describing it, but I get like a ’90s skate punk vibe from Grazer Grant. They kind of remind me of Millencolin. That’s just me. Grazil Records are nice people. They do stoner rock, extreme metal, punk. The record label is amazing. Our side of the album was produced by Augustine Ortiz at The Decibel Foundry in Santa Fe. Augustine seems kind of like one of those guys who it’s in his blood to do that. You can just tell he’s a natural.
Listen Up:
You can jam and purchase Roadside Memorial’s music on Bandcamp here, including La Bajada.
Check out the guys from Roadside Memorial celebrating this year’s St. “Punktricks” Day at The Launchpad in style – complete with bagpipes, horns – the whole nine yards here.
You can listen to Ray Cordova on Mike Trujillo’s Zero Hour Squared Metal Zone podcast talking about the history of the band and the epic 2024 New Year’s Eve party with Scared of Chaka here.
Check out a cool review of the Albuquerque-meets-Austria punk rock collaboration on the Thoughts Words Action online music blog here.