Tribunal Surdo
Violins
2007
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Tribunal Surdo, released in 2007 by the Goiana band Violins, is a work that stands out in Brazilian music for its dense musical approach and hard-hitting lyricism. The album is a sonic manifesto that unites noisy guitars and striking melodies, creating a tense and visceral atmosphere. What makes it special is its ability, through mordant lyrics imbued with sarcasm and black humour, to paint a faithful and uncomfortable portrait of social ills, the lack of compassion, and the violence that permeate daily life. Far from being an easy or complacent work, the record acts as a "kick in the face" for society, an uncompromising mirror of the truths many prefer not to see. It is an album that demands attention and a strong stomach, proposing a new way of listening to and understanding the world without masks or half-truths, solidifying the band as one of the most original and courageous voices in national rock of its era.
Context
Formed in Goiânia in 2001, the band Violins, initially known as Violins and Old Books, began its journey with the English EP "Wake Up and Dream" (2001). The transition to Portuguese occurred with Aurora Prisma (2003/2004) and was consolidated with the acclaimed Grandes Infiéis (2005). The latter had already been recognised, voted one of the best rock albums of 2005 at the London Burning Independent Music Award. Before Tribunal Surdo, the band went through a period of uncertainty in 2006, even announcing the cessation of activities after a guitarist's departure. However, strong fan support led the quartet to rethink their decision and re-emerge with a new line-up, resulting in the recording of this album which marked a new chapter in their discography.
Songs
The fourteen tracks on Tribunal Surdo are a deep dive into dark narratives, packaged in a sound that combines loud, dirty guitars with the delicacy of the piano, resulting in a tense and nervous atmosphere. The lyrics are the album's core, tackling difficult themes such as robberies, murders, drug use, racism, domestic violence, and criticisms of social and religious institutions. Songs such as "Grupo de Extermínio de Aberrações", considered the best track of 2007 by one critic, "Delinquentes Belos", "Campeão Mundial de Bater Carteira", and "Manicômio" stand out for their intelligence and creativity, blending social reportage and literary references with corrosive lyricism. The lyrics of "Manobrista de Homens", for example, evoke the idea of a "deaf court" that judges the world, reflecting the album's relentless vision.
Legacy
Tribunal Surdo quickly gained recognition, being voted one of the best albums of 2007 by Rolling Stone magazine. Furthermore, it was acclaimed by critics as "the great national rock album of the 00s" and listed among the best Brazilian rock albums of all time by specialised publications. The album is frequently cited in lists of "best albums in Brazilian music" and solidified Violins' reputation as a band with "above average" lyrics and arrangements that steered away from the monotony of the national scene. Its sound, which flirts with influences like Radiohead and Muse, yet possesses its own identity in the fusion of dense guitars and melodies, inspired a new way of approaching original rock in Brazil.
Tracks
Credits
Violins
Analyses
Violins - Tribunal Surdo (2007) | cenaindie
cenaindie.com
The album 'Tribunal Surdo', released in 2007 by the band Violins, represents the conclusion of the band's discography on the blog. Classified as indie, alternative, and rock, the album stands out for its unique sound and striking lyrics.
Resenha: Violins - Tribunal Surdo (2007) | Under Floripa
underfloripa.com.br
Defiance is too mild a word for this Goiânia-based quartet. Their songs depict the raw, unvarnished violence of a real world, backed by a top-tier soundtrack. It's not that they preach everything found in their lyrics, but why not just blast open this sweet, impoverished little world of music?
Coisapop: "Tribunal Surdo" - Violins - 2007
coisapop.com.br
A sad, tense and true portrait of our present times. It has been a long time since national rock saw such a strong and beautifully crafted album. I am not exaggerating when I say that this album features on the list of the best fifteen or twenty albums ever released in Brazilian rock.
Violins lança "Tribunal Surdo", um disco denso, tenso, difícil e ...
screamyell.com.br
The album caught the attention of a segment of critics, who were completely floored by the subsequent album, "Grandes Infiéis", a conceptual knockout that dealt with lies and infidelities. Between "Grandes Infiéis" and "Tribunal Surdo", some interesting things happened.
Scream & Yell - Grandes Infieis, do Violins, por Marcelo Costa
screamyell.com.br
The album caught the attention of some critics, who were utterly stunned by the subsequent album, "Grandes Infiéis", a conceptual knockout that dealt with lies and infidelities. Between "Grandes Infiéis" and "Tribunal Surdo", some interesting things happened.
