February 25, 2003: Molotov released their third studio album, Dance and Dense Denso. Recorded and produced in Mexico City, Mexico, Dance and Dense Denso mixes the local scene of Latin Rock with the harsher punk genre that originated in the northeast of the USA. Dance and Dense Denso roughly translates to “Dance and beat each other out intensely,” which is the perfect description of this album. Most songs are harsh, fast, aggressive, and meant to be moshed to. The album cover shows two people headbutting each other while moshing, the form of dancing that involves people pushing or slamming into each other. Moshing was first popularized during the 1970s and '80s, when the hardcore scene was evolving, with bands such as the Dead Kennedys and Fear. Molotov mixes both English and Spanish into their songs and writing, primarily speaking the combination language of Spanglish. Spanglish combines the grammar and words from both Spanish and English into one language and is used by numerous other bands, most notably Ska-punk band Sublime and American rapper Pitbull. This article explains the lyrics and backgrounds of some of the most notable tracks of Dance and Dense Denso by Molotov.

The second track off of Dance and Dense Denso pauses the loud and thrashing sound away for a moment. Instead, “Here We Kum” starts off with a classic Latin-rock-inspired beat. However, rather than speaking about moshing and punching others, “Here We Kum” is about the stereotypes that many members of Molotov have experienced throughout their lives. The lyrics state, “We are the superchilangos between you and your vacation, guy.” This line is one of the more direct examples of discrimination, explaining how native Mexicans are commonly called out by tourists for simply living where they live.

Moving back into the harsher, “punkier” sound, “Noko” talks about the poverty that lead singer Tito Fuentes and other members of Molotov went through during childhood and early adulthood. The lyrics describe the dichotomy between poverty and a stable life, as well as how fast a stable life can turn into poverty. Fuentes uses metaphors such as “Who thinks it doesn't rain when it's wet?” and “I had a duvet, now I use a box cover” to describe the intensity and risks that impoverished people face to survive. According to The World Bank, in 2020, over 46% of citizens in Mexico were at or below the national poverty line, adding to Fuentes' message.

All over the world, the 1%  (the rich upper-class) have been taking control and breaking the lower classes for their own gain. “Nostradamus Mucho (Que Se Caiga El Teatro)” (roughly translated into “Nostradamus A Lot, (Let the Theater Fall)”) talks about the corruption and abuse that the few elites in government positions have conducted over hundreds of years. Lead writer of this track, Ismael De Garay, uses metaphors to convey the corruption and its effects on Mexican citizens: “People in the streets, insufficient transportation. Culture, intelligence, a more coherent government. The bus driver is reckless, but the rich are even richer. Years of lack of education make people stupid.” To fully control citizens under a government, one must strip them of their needs. Taking away housing, transportation, education, and even culture removes the will to fight and speak out against a corrupt government. This tactic has been shown in many corrupt governments over the years, including in Mexico. This corruption dates back to Colonial times, when the Spanish Crown would grant titles of power to wealthy individuals. In modern times, Mexico really has not changed much, except for the fact that, instead of the main branch of government ruling over its people, cartels take over. That same form of bribery is used by the cartels to influence the Mexican government in letting them go with their business of drug, weapon and human trafficking. Just two years ago, in Feb. 2023, Genaro Garcia Luna, former secretary of public security, who was the equivalent of the FBI director at the time in Mexico, was found taking bribes from large drug cartels to shield them. ABC News reported that  “Prosecutors said at trial Garcia Luna provided safe passage for cocaine shipments, tipped the cartel to investigations and helped attack rivals.” Although Genaro Garcia Luna was found guilty, this took around 20 years, and is only the tip of the iceberg when talking about corruption in the area.

“Hit Me (Give Me Tha Power II)” is the second part of Molotov's hit track “Give Me Tha Power”. The last track of Dance and Dense Denso is a more mellow, calmer song in terms of instrumental but, lyrically, “Hit Me” references the loss of power that Mexican citizens once had. This track follows a close message to the track before, “Nostradamus Mucho (Que Se Caiga El Teatro)”, but at a closer level. The track before follows the corruption of the Mexican nation as a whole, but this track follows the corruption Mexican citizens see each and every day-- corruption not just in police, but also other members of society who are supposed to be protective. The track states, “Even though he can't read or speak, he is the one who gives you security. You must respect him, because he represents our authority.” 

Sources: 

• ABC News

• World Bank