2 Minutos

2 Minutos

2 Minutos is a punk band from Valentín Alsina, Argentina. It forms in 1987 and begins playing live in 1989, in the context of Argentina’s economic crisis. The group becomes one of the better-known names in Argentine punk and is associated with hardcore punk, pop punk, punk, punk rock and street punk.

Early years and first releases

The band records “Ya no sos igual” and “Arrebato” on an independent album alongside other groups before its first full-length release. Its debut album, Valentín Alsina, appears in 1994 and is named after its home town.

“Ya no sos igual” becomes the group’s best-known song. It refers to a local kiosk owner who is later found to be an officer in the Federal Police. The album sells 50,000 copies and the band is named “Banda Revelación” by the music supplement Sí of Clarín.

Breakthrough and international activity

The band’s wider breakthrough comes when it supports Motörhead at Vélez Sarsfield Stadium in front of 45,000 people. It is also regarded as a follower of Los Violadores and Attaque 77. In 1995, 2 Minutos becomes the first Argentine punk band to perform in the United States, and it fills the CBGB club in New York on that tour.

In March 1996, it supports the Ramones on their final world tour at River Plate Stadium.

Later albums and collaborators

The band’s third album appears in 1997, during its tenth year, with “Gatillo fácil” as the lead single and “Qué yeta” and “Recuerdos en la arena” among the notable tracks. The album sells 15,000 copies in a month, leading to a renewed record contract.

Superocho is released in 2004 and contains 16 songs recorded at Estudios El Pie, keeping the band’s established style. Un mundo de sensaciones is recorded in 2006 and produced by Juanchi Baleirón of Los Pericos. By then the line-up includes Pablo on guitar and vocals, Monti on drums, Papa on bass, Pedro on guitar and vocals, and Mosca on vocals. Guests on the record include Sebastián Teysera of La Vela Puerca, Diego Blanco and Juanchi of Los Pericos, and Claudio O’Connor. The first single is “Aeropuerto”.

Members

The group includes Marcelo Ares, Mosca, Papa, Indio, Pablo Coll and Monti Montes.