Pelada will release their debut album, Movimiento Para Cambio, on Pan in October. 

Vocalist Chris Vargas and producer Tobias Rochman, the Montreal-based duo behind Pelada, have gained international attention through the city’s underground warehouse rave scene. Their only previous release came in 2016, titled No Hay, via Mind Records. 

Movimiento Para Cambio (meaning “movement for change”) uses music to deliver ideas central to the group’s moral and political ethos, and explores themes of power, identity, surveillance, and environmental justice. 

While at times unpredictable, the album said to be “unified in its fast and loose approach.” 

“A Mí Me Juzgan Por Ser Mujer” (meaning “I Am Judged Because I’m a Woman”) is an anti-machista anthem, stylistically nodding to NY house. Though Vargas doesn’t identify as a woman themselves, they “understand their experience as a woman in an imbalanced patriarchal society that excludes women, femmes, and non-binary people,” the label explains. “Habla Tu Verdad” (meaning “Speak Your Truth”) emphasizes the need to overcome the stigma around discussing sexual harassment, while “Asegura” (meaning “Secure”) deals with the unprecedented power of big data. 

These themes are set atop Rochman’s raw mix of rave synths, acid basslines, breakbeats, and dembow rhythms. 

The album is mastered by Jeremy Cox, and features artwork by Johannes Schnatmann and Bill Kouligas. Ahead of its October 4 release, you can stream “Ajetreo” below. 

Tracklisting

01. A Mí Me Juzgan Por Ser Mujer

02. Ajetreo 

03. Habla Tu Verdad

04. Asegura

05. Granadilla

06. Caderona

07. Desatado

08. Perra

09. Aquí