Happy Wednesday, my friends! We’re in the dog days of summer and do we ever have the right offering to supplement that vibe today. Madrid-based psychedelic fuzz rock trio Free Ride are releasing Acido Y Puto, their second album, this coming Friday (August 9) through Small Stone Records, and we’re here to share it a couple of days early. Give it a listen after the jump, and I’m certain the hazy grooves that this thing is absolutely packed with will resonate with you in all of the right ways. And as you work through it, be sure to read Free Ride’s Profile responses to dive even deeper. Alright, now have it at!

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A quick note, how much better is that listen knowing what the title translates to, right? I mean it’s truly perfect. Acido Y Puto is such an unapologetic throwback and I just can’t seem to get enough of it. These jams sway along so beautifully, and at just the right moment we get the healthiest hits of dense rhythms and soaring vocals and choruses (with just the right amount of grit) to mix things up. It’s a nice blend of raw unrestricted 70s rock with a well-executed nod to the classic stoner doom projects we all adore. What Free Ride have offered up here is certainly a trip, but… one that’s easy to be comfortable getting lost in. So from here I’ll turn it over to the responses to our Profile questions so we can all learn a bit more about Free Ride and Acido Y Puto…

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

We started playing when we were teenagers. Victor and I were classmates in high school and both of us were very into rock music. I started playing with a crappy guitar that I inherited from my brother, Victor bought a bass guitar and we started playing in the garage of his house. Afterwards, we convinced Carlos (Victor’s brother) to start playing the drums. At that time we put together our first band in which we played punk-rock and did covers of classic songs. But it wasn’t until a few years later that we got back together to start Free Ride.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

We like to think of ourselves as a dynamic blend of classic rock, blues, and a touch of modern alternative sound. Imagine the energy of Led Zeppelin, the soulful riffs of B.B. King, and the edgy vibe of Arctic Monkeys all coming together. We create songs that have catchy hooks and melodies, while also bringing in guitar solos and rhythm sections that keep you on your toes.

Is there one (or more) thing about your latest / upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

Our upcoming album, “Acido y Puto”, is very special to us because it was created entirely in our own rehearsal room. We wanted to have complete control over every aspect of the recording process, so we decided to take the DIY approach and produce it ourselves. We spent countless hours experimenting with different setups, capturing the perfect sound that reflects the raw energy and authenticity of our band. It was a labor of love that allowed us to be fully immersed in our music without any outside distractions.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

Oh, we’ve got plenty of those! Once, at the end of a concert, one of us (I won’t say who) started drinking and it got a little out of hand. So much that he doesn’t remember practically nothing of what happened that night. He woke up the next day and his wallet and everything he was carrying had been stolen. Then he vaguely remembered that someone asked him for his wallet, he gave the wallet kindly to the thief and gave him a hug.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

One of the greatest thing is that the DIY ethic is stronger than ever. With the advent of digital tools and platforms, independent artists have the ability to create, distribute, and promote their music without relying on major labels. This democratization of music production has led to a surge of creativity and innovation, with artists exploring new sounds and pushing boundaries.

Independent bands are gaining recognition and building dedicated fanbases, proving that you don’t need a big label to succeed. However, the ease of access to digital platforms has led to an over-saturation of music in the market, making it challenging for new artists to stand out and gain recognition. With so much content available, listeners can become overwhelmed, and talented musicians may struggle to reach their intended audience.

On the other hand, social media is both a blessing and a curse for the artists. While it provides a powerful platform for artists to connect with fans and promote their music, it also places immense pressure on musicians to maintain an online presence. The constant demand for content can be overwhelming, detracting from the creative process and leading to burnout.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

Artistic freedom and the right to express oneself are vital to us as musicians. We’re committed to creating music that reflects our true selves and encourages others to do the same. Our songs often explore themes of individuality, rebellion, and the importance of staying true to one’s vision.

We also believe in the power of humor and light-heartedness. Life is full of challenges, and sometimes laughter is the best way to cope. We infuse our songs with a sense of humor and playfulness to balance out the heavier themes. This approach not only makes our music more relatable but also reminds our listeners that it’s okay to find joy and laughter even in difficult times.

Do you have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

Two of us are graphic designers and we design all our own merchandise, album covers, etc. As for hobbies that we all have in common, we like surfing, but living in Madrid which has no beach it is difficult to practice. We used to skateboard, but we are getting older for skateboarding and having an injury now is not like when we were 18 hahaha.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

Stay curious and informed about new music and trends to provide engaging and relevant content. To better support musicians and the genre it’s important to promote interesting music regardless of how many followers they have on social media or how many listeners they may have on streaming platforms. If you listen to something you like, write about it and try to spread the word.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

In the long term it is difficult to say, as someone once said, “Life is what happens while you are making other plans”. The only thing that is clear to me is that I will keep playing and making music until the day I die, no matter what happens.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

I have been obsessed for months with Viagra Boys. For those who don’t know them, they do a kind of post-punk with ironic and present day lyrics. Besides, the singer is a real showman. I would also highlight FIDLAR or Slomosa as fresh and new bands that I have been listening to lately.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

We are looking for gigs to start touring the new album and maybe start recording a new album during the next year.

Summarize your band in one word.

Acid.

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Many thanks to Free Ride for the time!

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To recap, Acido Y Puto is out Friday through Small Stone Recordings. For more information, and to keep up with all things Free Ride, give them a follow on Instagram.