Go Betty Go - Black & Blue (Wiretap Records)

You don’t know what you have until it’s gone. That is perhaps the message driving this new EP from Go Betty Go. When singer Nicolette Vilar left the band, having reached the burnout point of no return, partway through the band’s debut album tour, it seemed the party was over. Although the rest of the band carried on with a new singer, as is often the way, things were different from then on. Not better or worse, just a different musical blend, a different creative sum total, as is the way as line ups evolve.

A 2012 reunion show of all the original members reminded everyone of the power of that original lineup, who reconvened and never looked back. Black & Blue, the band’s latest EP, is an example of exactly why fate decreed that the world was a better place with this version of the Latina punk quartet in it. Although the band opted for the smart option and Emily Valentine who replaced Nicolette can also be found on this album. The best of both worlds!

Punk? Sure, but as soon as Nicolette Vilar’s soulful vocals hit you, you realize this is more than your usual punk thrash. “Keep Up” might be full of growling guitars and tumultuous beats, but by the time the vocal textures are applied, both the main delivery and the euphoric gang vocals that back it up, you understand that you are in the presence of something special.

“We Talk a Lot” proves the band’s prowess with melody as well as muscle. “Party At Sea” is full of staccato grooves, and “City Lights” is one of those anthem strokes of brilliance that blends punk attitude with hard rock punch. Perfect.

Many people look at punk’s formative years as the genres high water mark. I’d say that with bands like Go Betty Go running around—not that there are many bands like Go Betty Go—that golden age is just around the corner.