(New York, NY) – Since getting together, Mala Vista have been making waves on the NYC punk scene. Mala Vista, meaning bad outlook or bad perspective, a nod to the band founder’s Latino roots.

Myke (singer and guitar player) is Mexican American and Manny (bass and backing vocals) is Colombian American. In their earlier days Mala Vista played under the moniker “Mala Vista Anti-Social Club”, a play on Buena Vista Social Club. But after a few shows they shortened the name to just Mala Vista. In their time together they have managed to share the stage with some influential names including 999, The Mummies, The Kids, The Gories and other bands that begin with The. They’ve also had some very lively appearances at Jonathon Toubin’s Halloween Extravaganzas. No surprise here, they do an amazing Undertones. Sure, lots of young punk bands pay homage to the band they love and the artists that shaped them. Johnny Thunders, Dead Boys, Eddie And The Hot Rods and almost always The Ramones can be heard in so many up and coming band’s riffs. But so few bands do it right, taking what they’ve learned and loved, then making it their own. Mala Vista blends new and old, power pop, garage and punk. All the while with hooky vocals and melodic choruses. ‘Fun Time’ was aptly recorded at NY HED Studios, run by Matt and Rocio Verta-Ray, on the Lower East Side of NYC. NY HED has also recorded artists like The Dirtbombs, Daddy Long Legs, Televisionaries, Bloodshot Bill, as well as many other bands that Mala Vista are fans of. So it only made sense to record there, in a place where they still use analog equipment and vintage recording gear. The first single ‘In The Dark’ came together shortly after the pandemic, when Mala Vista were able to start writing together again. The second single ‘Don’t Owe You’ clocks in at barely over 2 minutes and opens with a simple guitar riff, building up to the snotty punk statement “I see them pointing fingers, I see them taking names… cause I don’t own you anything”. ‘Fun Time’ is out now with two east coast release shows. The first at Atlanta’s legendary Star Bar and the second in their hometown HQ TV Eye. It will be released exclusively on Spaghetty Town Records, and available for online on all major streaming and download sites. Look for Mala Vista European tour dates very soon, heading there in Spring of 2024.

Photo by Jason Yamauchi
RIYL: Teenage Head, Protex, Ramones
Hometown: NY, NY
Members: Myke Miranda (lead vocals/rhythm guitar) Manny Dominguez (bass/backing vocal), Erik LAMF (lead guitar) Ben Heymann (drums)