The Warning, Choke Review

by John Gaddis

Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, The Warning consists of three sisters, Daniela (Dany) Villarreal Velez: guitars, piano, lead and backing vocals; Paulina (Pau) Villarreal Velez drums, piano, lead, and backing vocals; and Alejandra (Ale) Villarreal Velez: bass, piano, backing vocals. 2015 marked The Warning releasing their first EP composed of original songs. The EP was so successful it led to an appearance to play on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. 2017 saw The Warning releasing their debut album XXI Century Blood, containing thirteen songs. Their second album, Queen of the Murder Scene, followed in 2018. Continuing to push forward in 2020, they embarked on a Kickstarter campaign to fund their next album and a North America Tour to overwhelming success. Jason Flom, head of Lava Records, a label of the Universal Music Group, signed the sisters to a five-record deal with Lava Records, and The Warning became the first Mexican band under a US major label’s wings. 2021 finds The Warning now releasing the first single from the upcoming Lava Records album called “Choke.” 

The single is produced by legendary rock producer David Bendeth (Paramore, Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin). Dany kicks off “Choke” accompanied by guitar. Her voice is resonating and robust. The band enters with heavy-hitting rock guitar and slamming drums. It’s hard-rock on all cylinders. The sibling chemistry is immediately evident. Their harmonies lock tightly, and the nimble playing of each sister elevates the climax of the tune. With all the trappings of great rock, “Choke” breathes fresh air into the rock arena. Play on!