Cadê as Armas?
As Mercenárias
1986
Why This Album Matters
Cadê as Armas?, As Mercenárias' debut album released in 1986, is a cornerstone in the history of Brazilian rock, standing out as one of the most visceral and influential works of the national punk and post-punk scene. With its raw and direct sound, the album captured the effervescence and discontent of São Paulo's youth during a period of political transition in Brazil. The band, formed exclusively by women, challenged conventions with a rebellious attitude and incisive lyrics, solidifying its place as a timeless icon.
Context
Formed in São Paulo in 1982 by Sandra Coutinho (bass), Rosália Munhoz (vocals) and Ana Machado (guitar), As Mercenárias emerged in the vibrant alternative scene of the Paulista capital during a period of cultural and political effervescence. The 80s marked the end of the military dictatorship and the beginning of re-democratisation in Brazil, a fertile ground for the emergence of rock bands that expressed anguish and social criticism. The group stood out for an attitude that went beyond music, subverting gender norms and presenting an androgyne aesthetic that both unsettled and inspired the underground scene, challenging the record industry and conservative society.
Recording
The album Cadê as Armas? was recorded between 1984 and 1985, at Estúdio Vice Versa, in a process that sought to capture the band's raw and direct energy. Released in 1986 by the independent label Baratos Afins, production was attributed to Paulo Junqueiro, with Luiz Calanca, the label's owner, also playing a fundamental role in the production and sound aesthetic of the work. The minimalist, yet effective, sound recording resulted in a concisely timed album, just over 18 minutes, which delivered its message in an impactful way. A striking detail in the recording was the participation of renowned musicians from the São Paulo rock scene: João Gordo (Ratos de Porão), Edgard Scandurra (Ira!, who had been the band's original drummer) and Vange Leonel contributed backing vocals on the track "Santa Igreja".
Songs
The ten tracks on Cadê as Armas? are capsules of punk and post-punk energy, characterised by their brevity, aggression, and poetic, protest-driven lyrics. Songs such as "Me Perco", "Polícia", "Imagem", "Inimigo", and "Pânico" became anthems for a generation, exploring themes like alienation, social criticism, and oppression. The compositions, often co-authored by various band members, display a sound reminiscent of influences from bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Slits, but with an undeniably Brazilian identity. Sandra Coutinho's distinctive bassline, Ana Machado's scratchy guitars, and Rosália Munhoz's incisive vocals combine with Lou's pulsating drums to create a sound that is both raw and captivating. The music video for "Pânico", incidentally, was the only one produced by the band, immortalising the group's aesthetic and attitude.
Legacy
Cadê as Armas? is not merely a debut album, but a work that reverberated intensely and solidified its place as a landmark. In July 2016, Rolling Stone Brasil magazine voted it the 5th best punk rock album in Brazil, an acknowledgement that underscores its lasting importance. The album is widely considered one of the most important records in Brazilian music, transcending barriers and gaining global recognition through its inclusion in various international compilations. Its influence extended beyond national borders, with the compilation "O Começo do Fim do Mundo/The Beginning of the End of the World", which featured tracks from the album, sparking the interest of American and English critics in the Brazilian post-punk scene of the 80s. The album, which was out of print for years, was re-released on CD in 1995 with live bonus tracks and, later, on vinyl, confirming its status as a 'gem' to be rediscovered by new generations. The 'do it yourself' attitude and the sincerity of the four girls in the distant year of 1986 remain a 'lesson for nascent bands', especially for female artists seeking their voice in the rock landscape.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Luiz Carlos Calanca
As Mercenárias, Edgard Scandurra, Peter Price
Edgard Scandurra, João Gordo, Marcinha Montserrat, Vange Leonel
Edgard Scandurra
Edgard Scandurra, Peter Price
Rosália Munhoz
Sandra Coutinho
Lou
Ana Maria Machado
Nico Bloise, Zé "Heavy" Luiz
Michel Spitale
As Mercenárias, Michel Spitale
Rui Mendes
Books
Analyses
Cadê as Armas? – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
'Cadê as Armas' é um verdadeiro 'chute no olho' e um dos melhores ...
urgesite.com.br
E o disco não me decepcionou! Com sua pegada oscilando entre elementos do Punk e também do Pós-Punk, as Mercenárias constroem canções simples e curtas mas de efeito arrebatador, com letras que são como poemas.
As Mercenárias - Cade as armas? (1986) | cenaindie
cenaindie.com
As Mercenárias, grupo paulistano formado em 1984, lançou em 1986 o álbum 'Cadê as Armas?' pelo selo Baratos Afins. Com Rosália Munhoz (voz), Ana Machado (guitarra), Sandra Dee (baixo) e Lou (bateria), a banda seguiu a linha pós- punk, entregando um registro considerado um dos melhores do rock nacional.
As Mercenárias - Pós-punk Brasil ~ Caverna Sonora
cavernasonoradochime.blogspot.com
O primeiro disco da banda, chamado Cadê as armas ?, foi lançado em 1986 pela gravadora Baratos Afins.O álbum continha dez faixas e teve grande repercussão no cenário underground.
Mercenárias - Cadê As Armas? (1986) - PEQUENOS CLÁSSICOS PERDIDOS
pequenosclassicosperdidos.com.br
Como muitas das bandas mais bacanas da cena brasileira dos anos 80, as Mercenárias tiveram vida curta e o reconhecimento só veio muitos anos depois, principalmente com o crescimento da internet.
Discogs
Cadê as Armas? – Discogs
discogs.com