More "made in Spain" musicfor your listening pleasure!
Wiggum. Another discovery from El Genio Equivocado's roster (the label is absolutely on fire ;) this time in the form of an unbeatable named (undoubtedly best Simpson's family) quartet from Barcelona. Formed on 2009, after a couple of changes on their line-up, recorded their debut LP, "Sintón Nisón ama a Nifú Nifá" a year later. Critics' praise, signing with El Genio and touring followed until 2012, when they decided to go back to the studio and challenge themselves. The result is their second album, "La Guerra Mundial" out this month, a shift towards guitar-driven rock, channeling 90s alternative music. Judging by tunes like the anthemic "Amarillo", looks like a gigantic step forward.
Pleasant Dreams. Hailing from Xilxes, Castellón, comes one of the most gratifying discoveries from latest Minifestival de Música. They started in 2002 but it wouldn't be until 2008 when they debuted on Green Ufos with "Podría Ser Hoy". A 7" vinyl came in 2011 followed by their latest reference, second LP "Hacia los Bosques del Sur", out past year. And what a record this is! A very personal blend of shiny indiepop with acoustic pop-folk and more traditional Mediterranean songwriting. A unique sound, as evocative as carefree, as epic as intimate. Not to miss. Lost Tapes. Pau Roca is what we call in Spain a "culo inquieto" a music "wiggler" (would that be correct?), as the member from La Habitación Roja and Litoral has decided to have another project, together with RJ Sinclair from Tokyo Sex Destruction and It’s Not Not. The band was created last year after crystallizing the occasional meetings in Madrid-Barcelona and the "many conversations on music, films and reads". The result is "Poetry Dates" EP, their only release to date, out since December 2012. Think on The Pains of Being Pure at Heart backed up by Spacemen 3 while going to the movies. Exciting music.
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.
Los Últimos Bañistas. Some reviews are easy. Take the homonym debut LP from this young band from Cartagena, Murcia, and click play. First track "Nadia", will grab you. Next one, the brilliant "El Gran Apagón" will blow you out. And then, the hypnotic "El Centro" will do the rest. Insert your own adjectives for the rest of the album, 'cause there's no filler here. Only excellent guitar-driven indie-pop, full of energy, melodies and a rare ability to connect with the listener. Their short story (a demo, a self-released EP and the LP out since June on Ernie Records) only adds merits to this stunning collection of tunes.
Partido. Discovered at Festival Plaça Odissea in April. Went there for Mojave 3, but got haunted by their excellent gig. After checking their web and "The Lost Sessions (1999/2003)" released last year, a compilation of the band's first incarnation, my impression is now confirmed. Tragedy broke that original lineup, but now, refunded with members of La Habitación Roja, Pumuky, Maria Rodés or Xoel López, and leaded by Víctor Partido, they have embraced americana and folk-rock sounds to build their passionate, intense and utterly honest music. Eagerly awaiting for "Leaving It All Behind", their official comeback.
Sexy Remake. Active since 2008, they come from Barcelona, under the leadership of Said Darbas. After previous lineups, he found stability with a 4-piece-format, adding Charlie and Aitor, from the ashes of the long yearned Stormyclouds. Inventive, surreal lyrics, sung by Said, with a voice that recalls to Ivan Ferreiro and Los Piratas, mixed with Charlie's burning, fearless indie-rock riffs and Aitor and Microciervo's solid rhythm section, they create a refreshing and addictive cocktail. With a self-released EP, "Dolly Depresiva/ Dolly Negativa" and a LP on the works, expectations couldn't be higher. Don't forget their name.
Wiggum. Another discovery from El Genio Equivocado's roster (the label is absolutely on fire ;) this time in the form of an unbeatable named (undoubtedly best Simpson's family) quartet from Barcelona. Formed on 2009, after a couple of changes on their line-up, recorded their debut LP, "Sintón Nisón ama a Nifú Nifá" a year later. Critics' praise, signing with El Genio and touring followed until 2012, when they decided to go back to the studio and challenge themselves. The result is their second album, "La Guerra Mundial" out this month, a shift towards guitar-driven rock, channeling 90s alternative music. Judging by tunes like the anthemic "Amarillo", looks like a gigantic step forward.
Lost Tapes. Pau Roca is what we call in Spain a "culo inquieto" a music "wiggler" (would that be correct?), as the member from La Habitación Roja and Litoral has decided to have another project, together with RJ Sinclair from Tokyo Sex Destruction and It’s Not Not. The band was created last year after crystallizing the occasional meetings in Madrid-Barcelona and the "many conversations on music, films and reads". The result is "Poetry Dates" EP, their only release to date, out since December 2012. Think on The Pains of Being Pure at Heart backed up by Spacemen 3 while going to the movies. Exciting music.
