A week with Boutade (part II)

Boutade, La Maceta, Barcelona, April 30th

Boutade, acoustic solidarity. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Second chapter of our "underground adventure" alongside with local band Boutade. After the first gig played at L'Ovella Negra, a venue we could define as "familiar ground" for the band, the second concert in a week was quite a different thing. Acoustic format, on a extremely eclectic bill shared with two more bands, on a bar in the middle of Gracia neighborhood, where music and pool are in the same space (luckily not happening at the same time) on a special night with a solidarity mean: all the money gathered was destined to Arquitecetes Sense Fronteres to help funding their cooperation projects in Chile and Perú.

Boutade took the opportunity as a way to experiment and try to work on a different approach of their songs. They were placed in the middle of bill, and before their time to play arrived, you can clearly see they were nervous. Will the songs work? First, debuting band, opted for a collection of covers of well-known tunes, from Jarabe de Palo to AC/DC, showing more enthusiasm and playfulness than talent. Would Boutade's serious, slightly obscure tunes work on that sort of environment? Would the acoustic adaptations of the songs have the same intensity?

The answer to both questions was an empathic YES. The short set, which comprised eight tunes from 'The Best Hunter' didn't loose a single bit of their trademark force. On the contrary, it served us to enjoy a different side of the band, with more detail to Charlie's vocal performance, to Aitor's backing vocals (maybe even too high on a couple of tunes). They suffered from the volume limiter of the vene in a couple of tunes, and they need to assemble a couple of things here and there, but the foundations and the potential is enormous. Tunes like 'Lost Friends' are fated to shine on acoustic format. But the highlight of the night? The transformation of the already wonderful 'Way to Escape' into an almost new, equally exciting tune. Have a listen & watch! Thanks Boutade!

A week with Boutade (part I)

Boutade (+ Patty Lodeiro) Ovella Negra, Barcelona, April 23rd 

Boutade, roaring indierock. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

This is a double concert review of the same band, Boutade, split on two articles. Why? Because it also tries to be a slightly different account on what goes on in the underground of our local scene. And because it's a very special post (spoiler alert): you don't review the band on which brother play that often. So I warn you. My objectivity might disappear from time to time.

"Saturday night is alright for fighting", sung Elton John. A pretty accurate definition of how hard an unsigned band has to battle to put out a show in this city (that pretends to be cool, but in all honesty is just a colossal fake). Anyway, no time to waste on many rants. Our favourite trio from Barcelona, Boutade, geared towards the emblematic Ovella Negra (how many nights of our youth wasted there), gathering many family members, friends and colleagues for a highly anticipated show. The atmosphere was relaxed, the vibes were comforting and, in typical Spanish fashion, it all began quite late, according to schedule. But it was all worth the wait.

Patty Lodeiro was the opening act of the night, in a short, warm-up, solo affair. Even despite she was suffering from throat issues, she showed her stunning vocal range which, combined with her natural sympathy, made the crowd enjoy most of the songs of her debut album 'Behind The Wire'. Next step, Primavera als Bars.

Charlie "Boutade", singer in the dark. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Quickly arrived the time for Boutade to assault the stage, introducing us into their trademark universe of bleak feelings, ever-growing developments, and blistering melodies. Told you before, 'The Best Hunter' , where craftsmanship joined ventures with life putbacks and struggling moments, but songs survived. The reason is simple. The tunes are real, fierce, the sonic catharsis of flesh, bones and soul wounds. Take opening tune of the night, 'Thundering Nights', for example. A harsh, ominous intro, followed by a whirlwind of a sound. Here's not a band to make concessions, but to tell you a story. Their story. Unique but yet at the same time, quite familiar. The universal curse.

'Way to Escape', 'Biggest Wings', 'Grey Is a Lie' followed, showing the trio's ability to easily morph from a straightforward alternative rock combo (Afghan Whigs anyone?) to a more oblique, experimental one in a matter of minutes. And although the sound at the venue wasn't perfect, losing the chance to grab the full depth of their rich compositions at times, the indierock engines were rolling during all their set.

Once nerves disappeared, the middle section of the gig, with favourite 'In My Own Desert', 'Drop of Sea', and their instant single 'White Rats', became the highlights of the night, accompanied with the fact Boutade added another member to the group in the form of a cheerful keyboardist (which is a very interesting option). This humble blogger got goosebumps a couple of times, getting lost into the music, admiring the guys giving the best they have inside themselves up on stage, getting specially emotional thinking on how one of them has grown. Yes, it's called pride.

'Melodrama', 'Dirty Water' (when will we hear new songs?) and another gem in the form of 'Lost Friends' put the end of the concert. But the night was far from being over. It was time to meet & greet the familiar faces. Another plus from dealing with talented musicians with their foot on the ground. Next chapter coming very soon, but before, here you have a video of Boutade performing 'In My Own Desert' from the gig. Enjoy!

Hunting night with Boutade!

Just a quick post to remember you tonight is the night: Boutade's presents their long-awaited debut album, 'The Best Hunter'. Indie-rock facing the abyss, guitars lines built from the heart, songs from the ones who drowned, but finally learnt how to get out of the water. Come join us at Razzmatazz! 

Listen to the record and convince yourselves!