Tempest city - This Ain't Bogota

Tempest city

This Ain't Bogota
self-released; 2014

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

My first thought when listening to This Ain’t Bogota Side 1 by Tempest City was that there is no mistaking what kinds of music these guys play. They don’t fuse together styles or jump genres from song to song. The band is a grade A certified rock band. Loud guitars, some attitude and always sounding better the louder you blast it. The umbrella of rock is quite large so we can narrow it down a bit. Tempest City at times reminded me of Alice N Chains if they were more into ‘80s metal. 

The five-piece band comprised of Ilan Harel (drums), Diego (bass), Vincent Degretzia (guitar), Walt Ramin (guitar) and Alfredo Venuto (vocals) has some chemistry. They play tight, in the pocket and above all else can write a song. There still needs to be some structure under all that rocking out.

The band hits it hard right out of the gate with “Are You Waiting.” There is definitely a bit of the ‘80s metal vibe I was referring to earlier. A song that might have been on FM radio if it were the late ‘80s. My Alice N Chains reference is more apparent on the next two tracks “Rabies” and “Sign of The Cross” both of which bring some serious heat. 

“Credits Roll” is arguably the highlight of the five songs. I loved the transitions they have around the one-minute mark and Venuto sings “ how long, how long to the credits rolls on.” The breakdown is brief and jumps back into anger-fueled verse that makes you want to pump your fist and do a shot. I think it’s safe to say this song contains the best guitar solo on the album.  They close with “Breaking Habits,” which is more of a grandiose, distorted ballad. Waves of white noise slowly drape across your ears as Venuto sings, “There’s something dead inside of me.”

I have to admire a band that knows what they want to sound like. Tempest City doesn’t sound confused and seems pretty happy with the brand of rock they bring to the table. For fans of grunge and metal This Ain’t Bogota Side 1 should be a no brainer.

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