Elvira Rodríguez on crushing riffs, uncompromising power and playing without holding back
Some songs are designed to please everyone. Others know exactly what they want to be — and have absolutely no intention of apologising for it.
Ballbuster belongs firmly in the second category. One of the more extreme entries in the Latex Angels catalogue, the track combines an unapologetically provocative theme with sharp, aggressive guitar work and an attitude that refuses to back down.
We caught up with guitarist Elvira Rodríguez to talk about the sound behind the song, her creative partnership with Maud Burggraeve, and why sometimes the only way to get the right result is to turn up the power.
Finding the right sound
For Elvira, the attraction of Ballbuster lies in the subject matter and the overall vibe. The music has to match that attitude, and her guitar work plays a crucial role in establishing the atmosphere.
“For the verses, I went with a grungy, snappy, chunky palm-muted riff,” she explains. “You want that sense of tension and anticipation. Then, in the chorus, I open things up a bit more.”
The contrast is deliberate. The tighter, more restrained verses establish a threatening mood, while the more open chorus delivers a stronger sense of movement and impact.
Rather than treating the guitar as a separate layer, Elvira approaches it as part of the storytelling. The riffs help shape the listener's experience, building tension before releasing it into the chorus.
Following the vision, adding the power
Within Latex Angels, Maud often takes the lead in the creative process. She usually arrives with the foundations of a song or a clear idea of the direction she wants to pursue.
Elvira's role is to help translate that vision into music.
“Sometimes I just fill things out and improve them,” she says with characteristic honesty. “With all due respect, Maud isn't a guitar pro!”
There are also times when Elvira gets more freedom to develop her own riffs and ideas. That flexibility allows her to contribute her own musical identity while keeping the song aligned with the band's overall direction.
For Elvira, the key is understanding what Maud wants a track to communicate.
“I try to immerse myself in the song, or in the vibe Maud has in mind.”
It's an approach that puts the song first. Whether she's refining an existing idea or building something new, the goal is always to find the sound that best expresses the track's character.
Heavy, sharp and full of power
Ask Elvira to describe her guitar style, and she doesn't hesitate.
“Hard, heavy and full of power. You can always call me for that. But I'm also happy to take on a challenge when something different is needed.”
That combination of a strong musical identity and a willingness to experiment is important to her role in Latex Angels. Heavy riffs and powerful grooves might be her natural territory, but she doesn't believe every song should be approached in exactly the same way.
With Ballbuster, however, the direction was unmistakable.
“We're not here to play soft on this one. We dominate.”
For Elvira, the performance has to be tight and sharp. Every riff needs to contribute to the song's attitude, and the band has to deliver that energy convincingly on stage.
The objective isn't simply to play loudly. It's to make the entire vibe come across.
No apologies for the extreme
The subject matter of Ballbuster is deliberately provocative, exploring an extreme corner of fetish culture without attempting to soften its edges.
Elvira is perfectly comfortable with that approach.
“Are we exaggerating? Maybe I'm still holding back,” she jokes, followed by a mischievous, devilish smile.
Beneath the humour, her position is straightforward: Latex Angels shouldn't have to dilute every creative idea to make it acceptable to everyone.
Some of the band's members have a taste for darker and more sadistic themes, and Elvira sees no reason to pretend otherwise. For her, the important thing is that the song's tone and atmosphere communicate the intended attitude.
That doesn't mean every listener has to enjoy it. Elvira is perfectly happy to let people decide for themselves what they think of the track.
Love it or leave it
So what does Elvira have to say to someone who finds Ballbuster too extreme?
Her answer is characteristically direct.
“People can see it however they want. Interested? Then listen to more of our music. If you're scared of it or think it's too extreme… get lost.”
It's an uncompromising response, but it fits the philosophy behind the song. Latex Angels aren't trying to be everything to everyone. They're exploring their own creative world, embracing its darker and more provocative elements, and trusting listeners to decide whether they want to come along.
For Elvira, Ballbuster is about making that attitude audible: heavy riffs, deliberate dynamics and a performance that never loses sight of its purpose.
No unnecessary softness. No half-hearted delivery. Just Latex Angels doing what they do best.
Turn it up. Keep it sharp. And don't expect Elvira to apologise for the riff.
Interview: Latex Angels — Behind the Song series.
Behind the Song series. is our ongoing series exploring the people, ideas and stories behind the music of Latex Angels.