Spanish Indie 8: suggesting the best national acts

Stunning new proposals of Spanish alternative bands for you! Hope you like them!

Pegasvs. One of the best records I have heard this year so far comes from Barcelona. Their authors are Sergio Pérez and Luciana della Villa, veterans of the Spanish alternative/underground, that finally have the attention of the (indie) media as a duo with this homonym debut. And with a reason. Motorik rhythms and hyperbolic, cascading melodies, between Neu! and Stereolab, this is addictive krautrock with pop ambitions, propelling the listener to a unique place. A spot among the national best albums at the end of 2012 lists is granted.
Pegasvs by Pegasvs

Jane Joyd. I warned you. Hailing from A Coruña, Elba Fernández, aka Ms. Jane Joyd, was fated for great things. She only needed an EP on 2010 to become a must-see promise. Then she won the Proyecto Demo 2011, having the chance of showing her talents at festivals like Benicàssim (where I discovered her). Now she presents "Shy Little Jane Presents: The Dramatic Tale of Her Animals", second EP and the debut at Origami Records. Long title for an immense, hazy, rich and rewarding work. Folk, jazz, a haunting voice... and the confirmation that here's a talent that MUST be followed.

Juanita y Los Feos. Shall we (indie) dance? I have found the perfect soundtrack for it. A killing cocktail of punk-pop, new wave, garage, synths, bursts of guitars, surreal lyrics and an immediate feeling of fun. All comprised in 12 doses of 2:30 minutes' tunes, the perfect recipe to keep you moving. Hailing from Madrid, and with a quite a long history behind their backs, the band formed in 2004, published several EPs until "Juanita y Los Feos", their first LP in 2007. More EPs followed before "Pesadilla adulta", at the end of 2011. A second album that you should listen... and dance!

Spanish indie 7: suggesting the best national acts

More proposals of Spanish alternative bands for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

La Habitación Roja. The release of their eighth album, "Fue Eléctrico", out now, gives me the perfect excuse/occasion to introduce this veteran band, formed in Valencia (yes, good things can come from there too), that are, simply, one of the best national groups. Inexplicably (and unfairly) underrated despite their solid career, started in 1995, LHR has been a reference when discussing about indie-pop/rock in Spain, something the new record proves again. Energy and melody, passion and honesty. The long distance runners of Spanish scene are back. A reason to celebrate.


Doble Pletina. Started in 2010 as a duet from the ashes of Abrevadero, a surreal combo that made peculiar versions of popular songs, Marc Ribera and Laura Antolín have created a lot of expectations with their few songs, in particular with the 2011 slow-burn hit "Música para cerrar las discotecas". Pure pop genious, where acoustic sounds meets a restrained epic, and where lyrics become pivotal. Hoping for more releases this year to confirm the promise, and to see them live at Primavera Sound. Keep an eye on them.

Thee Brandy Hips. Just confirmed among the Benicàssim Festival line-up, with their second album, “Raincoat”, released in early February, this five-member band from San Sebastian offers a much needed dose of fun and vitality. Addictive and sunny guitar-driven pop, where melody means everything. Between the noise-pop of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and lo-fi, between power-pop and The Bluetones playing on a beach, and with a DIY attitude, they might not be reinventing the wheel, but there's plenty to enjoy in their music.

Primavera Sound Festival unveils an amazing line-up

The day arrived, the Primavera Sound had its press conference... and they did it again!! Still hoping for some names (they say around 10% of the line-up still has to be revealed, so there's still time for  The Shins, Wild Flag, Electrelane or "my" indie-pop bands to be announced) but there's has been plenty to rejoice about: I Break Horses, The Chameleons, Sharon Van Etten, Real State and an amazingly long and interesting etc., plus the chance of finally seeing Beirut and Kings of Convenience live. But if that weren't enough, a very special gift for me: Big Star's Third, giving me the chance of seeing my beloved Mike Mills (R.E.M.) again. Thank you PS12!


PS: Then FIB Festival confirms David Guetta, and I can't stop laughing...

CONFIRMED ARTISTS FOR SAN MIGUEL PRIMAVERA SOUND 2012

30th May – 3rd June, Barcelona

A.A. BONDY - A$AP ROCKY - AEROPLANE - THE AFGHAN WHIGS - AFROCUBISM - ANÍMIC - ARAABMUZIK - ARCHERS OF LOAF - ATLAS SOUND - ATLETA - BAXTER DURY - BEACH BEACH - BEACH HOUSE - BEIRUT - BENGA (LIVE) - BIG STAR'S THIRD - BIGOTT - BJÖRK - BLACK LIPS - BLEACHED - BOMBINO - BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE - THE CHAMELEONS - CHAVEZ - CHRISTINA ROSENVINGE - CODEINE - THE CURE - DANNY BROWN - DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - DEATH GRIPS - DEATH IN VEGAS - DEMDIKE STARE - DIRTY BEACHES - DIRTY THREE - DOBLE PLETINA - DOMINANT LEGS - THE DRUMS - EROL ALKAN - FASENUOVA - FATHER JOHN MISTY - THE FIELD - FIELD MUSIC - FOREST SWORDS - FRANZ FERDINAND - FRIENDS - GIRLS - GIRLS NAMES - GODFLESH - GRIMES - GRUPO DE EXPERTOS SOLYNIEVE - HANNI EL KHATIB - HARVEY MILK - HYPE WILLIAMS - I BREAK HORSES - ICEAGE - JAMES FERRARO - JAPANDROIDS - JEFF MANGUM (NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL) - JEREMY JAY - JOE CREPÚSCULO - JOHN TALABOT LIVE - JOSH T. PEARSON - JUSTICE LIVE - KINGS OF CONVENIENCE - KLEENEX GIRL WONDER - LA ESTRELLA DE DAVID - LAURA MARLING - LEE RANALDO - LISABÖ - LITURGY - LOWER DENS - MAIN - MATÍAS AGUAYO - MAYHEM - MAZZY STAR - MELVINS - MICHAEL GIRA - MILAGRES - MILK MUSIC - MUDHONEY - MUJERES - NACHO VEGAS - NAPALM DEATH - NEON INDIAN - NICK GARRIE PLAYS THE NIGHTMARE OF J.B. STANISLAS - NUMBERS SHOWCASE: JACKMASTER, ONEMAN, DEADBOY, SPENCER, REDINHO - OBITS - OFF! - THE OLIVIA TREMOR CONTROL - ORTHODOX - OTHER LIVES - PEGASVS - PETER WOLF CRIER - PICORE - PIONAL LIVE - THE POP GROUP - THE RAPTURE - REAL ESTATE - REBOLLEDO - REFREE - REFUSED - RICHARD HAWLEY - THE RIGHT ONS - RUFUS WAINWRIGHT - RUSTIE - SANDRO PERRI - SBTRKT - SCUBA - SENIOR I EL COR BRUTAL - SHARON VAN ETTEN - SHELLAC - SISKIYOU - SLEEP - SLEEPY SUN - SPIRITUALIZED - SR. CHINARRO - ST. ETIENNE - TALL FIRS - THEE OH SEES - TRASH TALK - UNICORNIBOT - VERONICA FALLS - THE WAR ON DRUGS - WASHED OUT - WAVVES - THE WEDDING PRESENT PLAYS SEAMONSTERS - WHITE DENIM - WILCO - WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM - THE XX - YANN TIERSEN - YO LA TENGO

Green- Definetely seeing them. Absolute must
Orange- If there are no overlaps (in particular with the green ones), I'll be there for sure
Yellow- Curious about it/"on research mode"

Best Concerts of the Year 2011

It's been a year with many concerts and Festivals, so I thought it was appropriate to list my 10 favourite live performances of this 2011. Great memories!

10. And So I Watch You From Afar (FIB Festival, Benicàssim, July 17th)
Not my music taste, ages from it. We were killing time waiting for the gigs we wanted to see that Sunday, but very soon this four Northern Irish lads unleashed a thunderstorm of noise. Their brutal math-rock was like a shock therapy. When a band plays with such passion, it can only receive gratitude from an audience.
9. Veronica Falls (Primavera Club, La 2 de Apolo, Barcelona, November 23rd)
Seen them twice this 2011, but in Barcelona they weren't just one of the year's most promising bands, but the authors of one of the best debut albums I can remember in a long time. Also, by then I knew all their songs, a fact that makes their music achieving another dimension. Uplifting, hyper vitaminized indie-pop to hum along.
8. Alela Diane & Wild Divine (La 2 de Apolo, Barcelona, October 27th)
She had been on my must-seen artists list for many years, so I couldn't let the occasion escape this time. And although I'm not that fond of the record she was presenting on the tour as I am of "To Be Still", on stage, brilliantly joined by great and familiar musicians, Alela was terrific, more diverse than expected and soulfully vibrant.
7. Basia Bulat (Caprichos de Apolo, La 2 de Apolo , Barcelona, February 11th)
Anyone who knows me a bit knows I can't be impartial with Basia Bulat. Alone with her instruments and her amazing voice , and not with the best possible sounding at Apolo, she delivered, again, an incredible performance. Her version of "I Put a Spell on You" on the piano still haunts me 10 months after. She's in a league of her own.
6. Mojave 3 (Festival Plaça l'Odissea, Barcelona, April 30th)
What can I say? I never expected I would be able to hear Slowdive's "Alison", or wonderful tunes like the sublime "In Love With a View", "Some Kind of Angel", "Bluebird of Happiness" or "Sarah" live. But I did.  Bringing Mojave3 was an unexpected gift from this free Festival.
5. Beach House (Fly to the Moon Festival, Poble Espanyol, Barcelona, July 28th)
Another key event organized unexpectedly by the people of the Primavera Sound, giving us the chance of seeing Beach House for (my) the first time. It was a short gig, but simply magical, proving that "Teen Dream" is among the peaks of the ethereal style called dreampop.
4. Elbow (Sala Apolo, Barcelona, November 20th)
If it was just a matter of performance and charisma, Elbow's gig would top this list. Leaded by one of the best frontman I have ever seen, Guy Garvey, a relaxed and joyful band engaged the audience and let them be the guests of and intimate and unique celebration of great music: the 20th anniversary of one of the best bands of the last 15 years.
3. Mercury Rev (Primavera Sound, Poble Espanyol, Barcelona, May 29th 2011)
After five days full of gigs, I wasn't expecting to be overblown by the last performance of the PS11. But I was happily wrong. Between fantasy and epic, between indie-rock and a magical soundtrack, sumptuous and ethereal, Mercury Rev recreated in all its majesty "Deserter's Songs". A glorious,extraordinary experience.
2. PJ Harvey (Primavera Sound, Fòrum de Barcelona, May 28th)
Technically, I had seen PJ Harvey at the ousted Summercase Festival. But "White Chalk" wasn't my record and the stage where she performed was obviously inadequate, so I left after a couple of songs, putting health ahead. But in 2011, PJ Harvey has offered the world her best record, best of the year in my opinion, "Let England Shake", and thanks to the coincidence with the UEFA Champions League Final, I was able to have a privileged seat from where to enjoy the gig. Everything they say about Polly live is true. She's among the best.
1. Pulp (Primavera Sound, Fòrum de Barcelona, May 27th)
Objectively, PJ Harvey's or Mercury Rev were better, in terms of comfort (the overcrowding at this gig was nearly unsustainable) or sounding, but having the chance of seeing Jarvis Cocker and co. performing some favourite tunes of my teenage and adult years makes this top spot deserved. As expected (he's one of the greatest frontman ever, period), the gig was all his but he had the time of giving back their hymn, "Common People" to the audience, dedicating it to "los indignados", ultimately then, to the people. "Something Changed", "Sorted for E's & Wizz", "This Is Hardcore", "Do You Remember the First Time?"... Put it simply: I finally saw Pulp.

Playlist: the Best of Elbow

Counting down the days to see Elbow live in Barcelona! A long awaited concert for me (Benicàssim Festival wasn't enough, I want a proper, full gig). To celebrate the day is almost here, and because I'm so eager to see Guy Garvey and co., here's a playlist of, in my opinion, their best tunes. What a wonderful concert would be with a setlist like that, that but what a great gig is going to be this Sunday anyway. Enjoy!

1. Station Approach
2. Neat Little Rows
3. Fallen Angel
4. The Bones of You
5. Forget Myself
6. Grounds for Divorce
7. Fugitive Motel
8. Mirrorball
9. The Birds
10. Switching Off
11. Leaders of the Free World
12. Running to Stand Still (U2 cover made for a War Child benefit album)
13. Red
14. Mexican Standoff
15. Not a Job
16. The Everthere
17. Newborn
18. Open Arms
19. Asleep in the Back
20. Lippy Kids

"Veronica Falls", a debut fated to indie-pop heavens

Veronica Falls

Loved their firsts songs, adored "Bad Feeling" and "Come On Over", and enjoyed their performance at FIB Festival this summer. Anticipation for their album was huge. Now "Veronica Falls" is here and (for once) all expectations have been fulfilled.

The record is almost flawless, but what's more important, it is ridiculously addictive, vital and, despite all its dark imaginery (these lyrics), joyful. Twee, jangle-pop, C-86 revivalism, sixties devoted sound... I'll leave the comparisons to you and the critics. I don't want to ruin my listening with the "influences game", because I believe "Veronica Falls" is an album to enjoy and embrace unabashedly.

I had the fear a LP could be the sad demonstration the British were another singles band. And although 1/4 of the record was already heard (the two songs mentioned in the first paragraph plus oldies "Found Love in a Graveyard" and "Beachy Head"), that shadow disappears very quickly. "Veronica Falls" works as a cohesive and uplifting whole.

"Found Love in a Graveyard", amplified, with a more intrincated guitar work and resounding drums, and "Right Side of My Brain", with its incredible chorus and foot-stomping riffs, are unbeatable openers. Immediacy and catchiness, mixed with a somber twist. What's not to love? You will find yourself asking for more. And it comes instantly, in the form of an obscure, Gothic horror film that turns, in a slow-burning crescendo, into a gorgeous indie-pop burst. That's "The Fountain". What a powerful starting trio.

And without allowing you a single second to catch your breath, "Misery" appears, a pop gem where the dialogue/dueling between the boy/girl harmonies reaches heaven, that is topped by a couple of equally wonderful and rewarding tunes: the disarming and upbeat melody of "Bad Feeling" and The Pixies go straightforwardly pop that is the gentle, more paused, "Stephen". You'll be hopelessly in love with the band by now.

The second half of the album opens with another edgier, reverb-drenched one. "Beachy Head" sounds reinvigorated, almost surf-punk mixed with tortured lyrics. It is followed by "All Eyes On You", a poppier affair, that needs a while to knock you out, until the pause previous to the final chorus conquers you. The easy but supercute "The Box", with its irresistible harmonies, ends this round of tunes with a smile.

Because Veronica Falls reserves some of their best for the last trio of songs. "Wedding Day" puzzles you. Rockier and direct. So simple yet so infectious. One word? A classic. Next comes the more atmospheric, laid back (I wouldn't say ballad though) "Veronica Falls", where the band delivers a different pop approach, more suggestive. It works marvellously. And fits so right before "Come On Over", a slow burning number that wakes up into a raucous stampede of drumming and shimmering guitars. As the storm fades gracefully, you can't help but run for another spin of the record. 

What a fantastic debut album. Look for them among the best records of 2011.

SCORE: 8,25/10

Let's Buy Happiness, Lisa Hannigan and Veronica Falls amazing new songs!

Going back to music after a couple of political posts, because this week has been one to remember in that sense. Great new songs from Feist, The Rapture, Atlas Sound, Florence & The Machine, St. Vincent, some new amazing discoveries, and above all, three new gems from soft spots of mine, favourites of this blog.

Let's Buy Happiness- "Dirty Lakes"

It is not the first time, and I'm 100% sure won't be the last, I write about this Newcastle band. If "No Hot Ashes" EP was a wonderful start, "Six Wolves", an excellent follow-up, and "Fast Fast" one of the best songs of the year so far, now we have "Dirty Lakes", their next single, out on September 26th. I'm starting to believe that if Sarah Hall sings it, even the phonebook will sound hauntingly beautiful. Because the track is, again, hypnotic indie-pop, a superb blend between the sweetness of her voice and the peculiar, almost ethereal guitar line, exploding into a winning chorus. Knock-out, again.
Let's Buy Happiness - Dirty Lakes

Lisa Hannigan- "A Sail"
We already reported that "Passengers", her new album, slowly approaches (has been pushed back to an October 10th release), but I can say the first tastes of the record are impressive. I'm officially in love with  “A Sail” (that you can get for free right after joining her mailing list), a quintessential Lisa Hannigan's tune: an unforgettable melody propelled with her warm, mesmerizing vocals. Need more? Then try the faster and equally loveable "Knots" or the bluesy “Flowers”. Eagerly waiting for October!

Veronica Falls- "Bad Feeling"
Followed since "Found Love In A Graveyard" and "Beachy Head" conquered the blogosphere, this summer, after being completely won by "Come On Over", I was lucky to see them at the FIB Festival. Their terrific performance showed that their album, out September, is going to be one the highlights of 2011. First single "Bad Feeling" mixes an edgier sound at the start, driven by pounding drums, with their trademark male/female vocals. Is another outstanding example of their indie-pop style, catchy as hell, but with a mysterious and dark halo. Irresistible  combination.
Veronica Falls - Bad Feeling 

FIB Festival 2011 Benicàssim: a personal overview

Back and alive from Benicàssim Festival. I let some time pass to make this overview, in order to be accurate and not say a couple of things without a second thought. Here it is:

The Good
Confirmations: Among the bands I love and had the occasion of seeing them before I have to mention, of course, Arcade Fire and The Joy Formidable, both delivering excellent shows (the lovely Welsh will be mentioned again later). And among the groups I never seen before, Veronica Falls showed there's a real band and a promising album just awaiting us in early autumn; while Russian Red and Elbow were great (so happy to see Guy Garvey and Co. finally). Looking forward to see both bands in their respective tours and more intimate venues. I wish I could say the same about Arctic Monkeys, but unfortunately other factors were in play during their gig (read the next section).

New discoverings: Weren't many if you consider FIB lasts four days, but at least this three names have to be highlighted. O Emperor, quality and intense folk-rock from Ireland that gave a solid, in crescendo gig; Los Ginkas, Spanish punk-pop, vital, joyous and really funny, smiles are granted with them; and Jane Joyd, the music name of Elba Fernández, a wonderful singer/songwriter from Galicia that captivated us with her rich folk (despite not being able of bringing her full band) and mesmerizing voice. One to follow closely.

The working staff: From the staff taking care of first rows, giving water and being aware of the people asking to be taken out of there, to the ones located in the middle/separation wall, who had a incredibly hard task, and suffered the brutal behaviour of some during The Strokes concert. And on a personal level, to the ones in charge of security at the Maravillas stage and the bar, who kindly helped us after we were crushed during the Arctic Monkeys gig. Thanks.

The Bad
Massification: I remember blaming the Primavera Sound Festival because of the massification problems, in particular on Friday 27th of May, during the Pulp concert. I apologise. It was nothing compared with what we suffered at FIB 2011. Friday and Saturday at the Maravillas stage and surroundings was just horrible. And excuse me, but Vince Power, FIB director, saying he saw a normal function of that stage, just means either he has no shame, or that he wasn't there.


The Brits: Should say the "hooligans" instead. Of course, I'm not saying every British citizen behaved like that. The majority we met were sympathetic, friendly and happy people. But unfortunately, a huge amount of them are just wild beasts that are not interested in the music at all, and are just coming to have a permanent, out of control party. No problem with that, but you know. Seeing you naked is not nice. Throwing drinks (or whatever it is) to the people, the same applies for your rubbish, is not nice. Trying to advance by the use of force to get a closer view of the stage is not nice. Crushing people is not nice. Peeing in front of a bar is not nice. Putting a fire or lighting a flare in the middle of the main stage is not nice (is insane). You might think this is "your Festival" (after all you are the target of the organization) but you know the venue is not yours and there are more people trying to enjoy FIB. The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys were frustrating gigs because of them.

The FIB Organization: Paolo Nutini, Chase and Status, Plan B, The Streets, Pendulum, The Coronas (from Ireland), Tinie Tempah and a long etc. We could discuss (endlessly) if these and many more fill into the music style that supposedly FIB used to cover. But I don't think it makes sense to debate about the repercussion these groups have in Spain, which is zero. So, it is clear, the Festival's target are the Brits. Fine. that's their commercial strategy. Linked with that, and again just commercial strategy, was the decision of announcing big, incontestable, headliners well in advance, and since then (with exceptions) complete the line-up with fillers. Anyway, the line-up on Thursday was terribly weak, and without headliners (something the organization admitted). Then we have the timetable thing (pathetic). Or the parking facilities. Or the overlaps. I could go on, but you get my point. The general feeling is clear: this is about the money for the organization, not about the music.

The Queen
The sound: The only aspect where FIB has been superior to Primavera Sound. Without very few exceptions (and one has to do with the overlaps, other with the wind on Sunday's afternoon, not with the sound quality of the stages), during all four days of the Festival the sound has been surprisingly good.

The fan moment: We had the pleasure of chatting for a second and take a picture with Layabouts, probably the best concert of Thursday, and (a personal triumph) with the gentle people of The Joy Formidable. Ritzy promised me they will go back to Barcelona soon (probably October). So great!

The music, after all: I could have titled this bands I don't like but were outstanding. Because that's what happened five times on this FIB 2011. Jerry Fish and The Mudbug Club, with his funny and engaging gig; Lori Meyers, that gave a phenomenal concert to an enthusiastic crowd, gathering an unanimous praise from their national fans as well as foreigners; And I Watch You From Afar, who did a brutal, thunderous show; Layabouts, who did the same with their more classic rock; and Portishead, with the amazing Beth Gibbons making the Maravillas stage hold their breath. They exemplify what music, and playing live should be. They enjoyed and made the audience enjoy every second of their gigs. Even the ones that are not fan of their music or style (like me) got pleased or mind-blowed by their performances. A matter of attitude and passion.

Huge defeat by Tennis in Barcelona

Tennis. La [2] de Apolo, Barcelona, July 21st
We just came back to Barcelona after FIB Festival with another music night on the agenda. And a very special one it was. After being completely haunted by Tennis performance at Primavera Sound Festival back in May, the idea of seeing them again, this time in the intimacy of such a small venue like La [2] de Apolo in Barcelona seemed just perfect to enjoy a lovely night with the joyful music of this wonderful duo (trio on stage).

But we were wrong this time. Is simple to explain. From the start to almost the end, the sound was awful. Don't know if it has to do with the venue (the sound wasn't impressive with Basia Bulat's gig in February either) or (shared suspicion) the volume of drums and guitar was excessive. The result? We couldn't hear Alaina's voice until the last 4-5 songs. And we were on the first row.

Yes, the natural charm was right there. They unforced approach towards the audience too. The way they play, with Patrick lost into himself and Alaina gracefully moving and jumping barefoot was inviting an enchanting, like if we were allowed to see them performing in their garden in Denver, or enjoying music in a relaxed way on their sailing ship. In an hour they played all their debut album, "Cape Dory" and experimented with three new songs and one cover. But honestly, we couldn't do much aside from enjoying the 60s vibe of the music and imagine Alaina's gorgeous voice. And that's far from being enough. Tennis are a great band, but Thursday's concert, taking advantage of their name to make a sports parallel, was like watching your favourite team being trashed by its archenemy. Hope there's a chance of seeing them soon again. We deserve a re-match!

A small clip that serves as example of how bad the sound was...

My FIB Festival 2011: we have timetables!

Two days before leaving for Benicassim Festival and despite the shameful decission of the FIB organization of not the giving the timetables for free, the information has leaked (everybody knew it would happen), so here's how it looks (bold indicates the preferred option), in principle, My FIB Festival. Harder than expected, the amount of overlaps is dramatic and confirms Thursday as a pretty ridiculous day. 

18:00-18:45 The Spires

19:00-19:45 Layabouts

19:45-20:45 Anna Calvi / 20:15-21:15 Russian Red  

From 21:15 I don't mind going home. What a horrible (and overlapped) day!


18:00-18:45 Jane Joyd 

19:00-19:45 O Emperor

19:45-20:45 Ainara Legardon / 20:30-21:15 The Marzipan Man

21:15-21:45 The Paris Riots

21:45-22:45 The Undertones

23:15-00:15 Elbow

00:45-02:15 The Strokes / 1:30-3:30 James Murphy
The only day when schedule fits and has some logic...

18:00-18:45 Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club / 18:30-19:00 Los Ginkas
19:30-20:15 Nadadora / 20:00-21:00 Tame Impala
21:30-22:30 Lori Meyers / 22:00-22:30 The Dandies
23:00-00:00 Mumford & Sons
00:30-02:00 Arctic Monkeys
02:30-04:00 Primal Scream
Already a seriously overlapped day, to decide between Beirut or the Monkeys is something to blame the organization for.


18:30-19:00 Indienella
19:00-19:45 The Coronas
19:45-20:30 And So I Watch You From Above
20:45-21:30 The Joy Formidable / 21:15-22:00 Veronica Falls
23:00-00:30 Portishead
01:15-02:45 Arcade Fire / 1:45-3:45 Chris Geddes
And the final, triple overlap, that will probably make me miss Noah and the Whale (sic).

Well, in any case, see you at the FIB Festival, come on over!
Come On Over by Veronica Falls

Discoverer 15: new indie findings

Last weekend before FIB Festival, but before leaving... a new round of proposals for you!

Reverieme. Behind the stage name you'll find Louise Connell, a ridiculously young Scottish girl (note: one day we will have to honour Scotland as deserves for giving us so many unforgettable artists), based in Glasgow, with an equally ridiculous talent to find the perfect melody and merge it with her adorable voice. "Melodies", released in 2010, is her very-limited debut, a flawless ukulele (yes, ukulele!) indie-pop collection, far beyond the singer-songwriter acoustic cliché, inventive and riskier. I wasn't that impressed by a voice since I felt in love with Nat Johnson.

Favourite Sons. Ken Griffin is not a newbie. From 1992 to 1997 he recorded three albums in London and Dublin (with Rollerskate Skinny and Kid Silver) before moving to N.Y to disappear. But while working at a bar, Justin Tripp, A.J. Edmiston and Matt Werth, tracked him down and encouraged him to write again. Favourite Sons debuted in 2006 with "Down Beside Your Beauty", followed by "The Great Deal of Love", out past May. A rollercoaster fok-rock album, with Griffin's unique voice leading a band that recalls a subtler Nick Cave or early Waterboys. Be careful. Their band's name is well deserved.
Favourite Sons - The Great Deal Of Love

Army Navy. Born in Seattle but really shaped in L.A, the bedroom project of Justin Kennedy became a success after their debut in 2008. Ace reviews, fans admiration, support slots to The Lemonheads, Arctic Monkeys, The Dodos... Great achievements that will continue with "The Last Place", their second release, out next week. Why? Because I doubt someone can resist this infectious collection of jangle-pop, power-pop, shimmering guitars, choruses and hooks. “...our focus, creativity and inspiration had created something bigger than all of us…a classic pop masterpiece!” says Adam Lasus, album producer. Pretentious, but he might be right.
Army Navy

"Suck It and See", the summery side of Arctic Monkeys

Suck It and See- Arctic Monkeys

Since 2006 the Monkeys have been faithful to what now seems like a prophecy, their first album title, "Whatever People Sat I Am, That's What I'm Not". Typecasting the Brits under one category of indie style is a lost battle, and every new record is a surprising new side of the band. This time, one that could be called "summery". A side that fits them very well.

The first songs we heard from the record seemed to play cluelessness with us, on a first approach. The stoner rock of "Don't Sit Down Cause I've Moved Your Chair" and the more playful, "vintage" sounding "Brick by Brick" were a bit dissapointing, recalling their previous album "Humbug" on a pretty derivative way. Together with the poor album artwork, have to say lowered the expectations on their new effort. But judging the Arctic Monkeys in advance has proven wrong again.

Because these two and "Libray Pictures", recalling early, stampede mode, Monkeys, are the exceptions on "Suck It and See", which is a warm and mellow, sometimes with a stripped down feeling, album. One could easily point out that it has a lot to do with Alex Turner's solo adventure on the "Submarine" soundtrack. As a matter of fact, in a full band version, it also includes the gorgeous “Piledriver Waltz” from that collaboration. But Turner and Co. go way further in here. With excellent results.

Is their poppier record without a doubt. But a refined and classy one, where instruments sound cohesive instead of edgier, the Monkeys trademark in the form of sharp riffs and jagged drumming during 5 years. The album opener “She’s Thunderstorms” might be the perfect example. There's a sense the song could stop any second before exploding into a frantic guitar assault, but they let the melody soar with grace, in the same vein of the wonderful "Black Treacle".

There's plenty more on the album. “Reckless Serenade” is pure pop perfection, a strong contender to be on the best-of the year lists. The "Hellcat Spangled Shalalala", and "Suck It and See" and "That's Where You're Wrong" (yes, a bit Stone Roses), are pop gems, disarmingly catchy as well. And "Love is a Laserquest", second ballad of the record, is lovely, reaffirming that one of the best improvements of the Monkeys is that Turner, always a great lyricist, has become a very good singer. The straightforward storyteller is now a meditative, ironic, romantic sometimes, crooner. He's definitely among the most interesting frontman of indie. And together with his band, seems they could retain that position for a long time.

Give it a try, they invite you in the album title, "Suck It and See", in their unique, straight and tongue-in-cheek way. I really encourage you to do so. Looking forward to see them live, in a few weeks at FIB Festival!

SCORE: 7,75/10

FIB Festival, the feeling of being cheated

More than two months after the last confirmations, and less than a month for Benicassim Festival to start, the organization has announced, finally, some more names, almost(?) closing their line-up. It's true, though, that there were some informations in advance, a couple of interviews to important members of the organization, including Vince Power, main responsible of the veteran international music event. In both interviews, you could easily understand there was a sense of failure, acknowleding that in their task towards recruiting some more "big names" there had been underachievements, so hopes were not high.

Well, now that the last names are public, it is fair to say that feeling has been confirmed. But now, it's even worse. Now the feeling is that we have been cheated. This are my reasons why: 

1. FIB 2011 announcements begun in an amazing way. Arcade Fire, Portishead, Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes. Impressive. It was clear this was a commercial strategy to create a huge anticipated demand and big expectations. Seems they will have their desired sold out, so in terms of marketing, I admit the success of their strategy. But in what regards to expectations.....If they sold that many tickets in early 2011, it is hard to imagine what took them so long to close the line-up, considering the final names. 
2. The communication with the public has been, to say it politely, questionable. The programmed chats were a total failure, and the lack of information regarding new announcements has been a regular feature of the organization, sadly.
3. In what regards to the line-up itself, and of course, just being my opinion, I have to say this is a poor Festival.With the very welcomed addition of Russian Red, there are only 9-10 names that qualify as "must see", and only 5-7 that I'm "interested on". That, for a Festival that takes place during 4 days and has years of history behind, is quite unremarkable, and pales in comparison to Primavera Sound Festival, where I ended watching nearly 30 artists (and missing no less than other 10 names that I would have liked to see). Thursday, absence of headliners aside, is the paradigm of that decadence. A really weak day.
4. Money, money and more money. Prior to the last announcements we were informed that FIB's hand programme, including timetables and useful information, would be able on July 11th....for 5 euros! I'm going to the Festival because of the bands, the music, and I have paid a considerable amount of money for that, so having to add another 5 euros just to know when and where the artists I paid to see are going to play is miserable.
5. It's going to be my first FIB Festival, and the last one. I don't think it resists the comparison with other Festivals, and particularly with Primavera Festival, that proposes a lot more in terms of music (that's my main goal on a Festival, not a comedy club, sorry), is way cheaper and better organised. Of course, its a matter of making profit of a business, but even during the worst moments in that Festival (massification, electronic card, etc.) I didn't have the feeling they were interested just in the economic benefit. And now I do with FIB. 

Having said that, now its time to check among the unknown and relatively unknown names in order to find a new promising discovery and add more artists to "my personal" line-up. Well, and enjoying the sun, if they don't charge us also for that....