The Warning, consisting of Daniela ‘Dany’ (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Paulina ‘Pau’ (drums, vocals, piano), and Alejandra ‘Ale’ (bass, piano, backing vocals), first made waves almost a decade ago and now return with yet another body of work to their name. Landing two years after their third record, Keep Me Fed continues to accentuate their unfettered sonic expression.
From the first blazing guitar line, it’s an intense immersion into the band’s uncompromising brand of hard rock. Between high-powered production and Dany’s commanding vocals, “Six Feet Deep” immediately sets the tone for the record. Combined with touches of philosophical reflection (“Life is nothing more than passing time,” in “SICK” is of particular notability), it’s a promising introduction to what is yet to come.
Having grown up in Monterrey, Mexico, The Warning have become a defining name for Mexican women in rock. “Qué Más Quieres” sees the sisters pay homage to their home country. With its title translating to ‘What else do you want?’, the track brims with explosive energy and defiance. Building to a climax during the collective chants of its earworm chorus, it’s a fiercely bold number, fuelled by the collective force of female rage.
Flickering between the acoustic sombreness of mellow verses and unleashed outbursts of spiralling guitars and punctuating drumlines, the versatility of the band’s sound is on full display. On “Apologize”, moments of tranquillity are carefully placed amongst cascades of brash instrumentation. Similarly, “Escapism” employs colourful ringing tones to complement soothing leading vocals that recall a dreamlike state, before the soaring riffs of the bridge take hold and propel the track into a raucous, maximalist soundscape.
Lyrically, the record is a resonant mix of universally relatable subject matter and more niche topics. While “BURNOUT” and “SHARKS” tackle feelings of heartbreak and betrayal, “Hell You Call A Dream” offers a unique insight on the life of a touring musician. Capturing the vast array of emotions, it jumps between sparkling keyboard melodies and distorted grooves. “Give me something to believe / In this hell you call a dream,” Dany pleads, as roaring basslines writhe beneath.
Situated in the latter part of the record, “CONSUME” is a valiant standout. “Watch me / Judge me / Pull the strings like you do!” leading vocals bite, underpinned by gnarly guitar lines and driving percussion. Unapologetic, feisty, and fantastically vicious, it’s a gripping statement of intent that showcases the band where they thrive most. Topped off with the dynamic intensity of “Automatic Sun”, The Warning have succeeded in taking listeners on a sonic thrill-ride once again.
