Terry Vs. Tory "Heathers"

Terry Vs. Tori "Heathers" (p)2020 El Genio Equivocado

Jangle pop at its best with the references to everyone in wide array from Wedding Present to The Luxembourg Signal all the way through Trembling Blue Stars and earlier era Los Planetas along with touches of twee, C86 and dreampop. This genre experiences some kind of revival in recent years so the Sevilla-based quartet fits perfectly not only for the national music map #rightnow but also for the global trend confirmed by the critical acclaim of such releases as Desperate Journalist's "In Search Of The Miraculous" or Jetstream Pony's self-titled album.

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Beladrone “Andévalo”

Beladrone “Andévalo” (p)2020 El Genio Equivocado

The evocative shoegaze Sevilla-based combo consists of the former members of Blacanova and Tannhauser. The guitars are swirling, the guitars are droning, the guitars are crashing through your eardrums all in the same time (I guess, really, how many guitar tracks were recorded for the mix?) which creates the effect of speedball consumption* when the depressant and anti-depressant components of a drug make you soothe and agitate simultaneously. Concurrently hypnagogic and upbeat. The pulsating rhythm section that shifts from post-punk’y marches to hypnotizing semi-tribal kind of drumming and back adds another dimension to dive into. I would like to emphasize the title track as one that showcases the band's modus operandi the best way: the multilayered guitars are curling around the drum patterns and bass lines as minimal as captivating. By the way, the adjective "captivating" fits perfectly for describing "Andévalo" as a whole.

* I never used speedball as well as any other drug in my life but through the mass media and contemporary arts I can imagine what kind of effect it may cause.

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Top30 albums of 2017 so far. Semi-annual poll

(in alphabetical order)

Aldrin Y Collins "Escuchas" (p)BCore Disc - bandcamp

Arista Fiera "Simetria Par" (p)self-released - bandcamp

Anchord "As A Real Return" (p)Saltamarges/BCore Disc - bandcamp

Black Mirrors "No Colours For Concern" (p)El Hombre Bala - bandcamp
Cala Vento "Fruto Panorama" (p)BCore Disc - bandcamp

Captains "Captains" (p)Jabalina Musica - bandcamp

Clara Plath "Yes, I'm Special" (p)Flor Y Nata - bandcamp

Cosmen Adelaida "Dos Caballos" (p)El Genio Equivocado - bandcamp

Diola "Diola" (p)BCore Disc - bandcamp

Disciplina Atlantico "Gran Oriente" (p)Limbo Starr - spotify

Exquirla "Para Quienes Aun Viven" (p)Superball Music - spotify

Havoc "Amado Lider" (p)Subterfuge - spotify

I Am Dive "Music For The Silent Running" (p)WeAreWolves - bandcamp

Jay "Fuimos Nosotros" (p)Matapadre - bandcamp

Karen Koltrane "Album" (p)Foehn - bandcamp

Les Sueques "Moviment" (p)El Genio Equivocado - bandcamp

Maresme "Golden Coast" (p)Foehn - bandcamp

Me And The Bees "Menos Mal" (p)La Castanya - bandcamp

Niños Mutantes "Diez" (p)Ernie Producciones - official site

Os Bru "Hvala" (p)Indian Runners - bandcamp

Oso Miel Oso "Debut" (p)Discos De Menta - bandcamp
Pau Vallve "Abisme Cavall Hivern Primavera I Tornar" (p)self-released - bandcamp

Ran Ran Ran "L'Hereu" (p)Bankrobber - bandcamp

Rufus T. Firefly "Magnolia" (p)LagoNaranja - bandcamp

Saïm "Accidents" (p)Bubota Discos - bandcamp

Shepherd "Mystic Wave" (p)self-released - bandcamp

Tuya "A War Is Coming" (p)El Rayo Verde - bandcamp

Ultim Cavall "Records De Kyoto" (p)Discos De Kirlian - bandcamp

Vol Menor "Contracorrent A L'Instint" (p)self-released - bandcamp

When Nalda Became Punk "Those Words Broke Our Heart" (p)Discos De Kirlian - bandcamp

Les Sueques "Moviment"

Les Sueques "Moviment" (p)2017 El Genio Equivocado

"Educacio Fisica" was the pretty nice album, but in comparison to the new effort it sounds just like a try, like an attempt at writing. "Moviment" is denser, louder, catchier and more multilayered. It is more refined almost in every possible way (it was partially recorded in London - maybe this fact affected the final result. Maybe not). While the songs improved this didn't affect the fact the band's still got the vibe that could cause unintentional dancing while listening to the album. And I can't help but feel this is how 'the next step' should sound like.

P.S. Just to remind you: "Educacio Fisica" itself was really nice album, and the superiority of the new record doesn't make it any worse. 

The best tracks: Accio, Tu Em Caus Molt Be, Dones Antigues, Res, Tu Parles Molt

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Big Summer "Trigger"

Big Summer "Trigger" (p)2016 El Genio Equivocado

"Trigger" appears to be the dreampop guidebook that successfully showcases the different branches of the genre, from earlier 4AD efforts through the Yo La Tengo's subtle feedback-laden melodicism to the present day sonic experiments of, for instance, Autolux. Moreover, the album has the touches of tender neo-psychedelic breeze used just to tint the sound without creating that trippy stonehead atmosphere over there.
The first thing I should point out is that there are no unremarkable songs here at all.

Starting from the fragile Lush-flavoured track "Sprong" and up to the 'delicate verse/edgy chorus' closer named "Velvet" every song has its own taste.
The first half of "Poster Boys" is where the band gets closest to 'the hit' before the melody is drowned in the harsh noise rather been expected from someone like The Jesus & Mary Chain in the second half of the track. "Love & Alcohol" and "Gotta Get Better" are the ones where the Yo La Tengo DNA is the best determinable (you can almost hear the latter sung by Georgia Hubley). "Song For Los Muertos" is some kind of 'surf on sedatives' while the next track, the bass-driven "Mess" (probably the best track off the album) slowly evolves from trembling starlight nightsong to the 90's indie rock winner with the perfectly stirred-up guitars. And then "Space Invader" comes from L7/Babes In Toyland side of the world...
So here's what I'm trying to say: while it has a myriad of influences in itself, "Trigger" is not a set of separate and disjointed details that can't be aggregated into one entity but a tight well-constructed system where every piece is on its place and where the differences between the components are only proving their unity.

Best tracks: Poster Boys, Sprong, Mess, Gotta Get Better, Space Invader


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El Lado Oscuro De La Broca "Beta"

El Lado Oscuro De La Broca "Beta" (p)2015 El Genio Equivocado

Take the icy cold post punk textures as a base. Then add unstoppable drum intensity of 'fast-to-very fast' range. Mix. Shake. Shake well. Add some slices of the detached 'long distance call' vocals. Then open the reservoir with the mixture and pour it over with the earbleeding abrazive guitar swirl. More. More. When you think that it's enough - pour it even more.

Do you remember Glasvegas, this Scottie band that tried to breath life into the body of guitar-driven indie rock also using that endless (but more polished) guitar swirl but was lost in the repetitiveness? Born in Zamora, 'the town of Romanesque art', the quintet El Lado Oscuro De La Broca (this means something like 'The Dark Side Of The Drill') makes Glasvegas sound like a pop band. The noisy hymns like 'Los Lideres Africanos' or [the occasional homage to the notorious Italian midfielder of the 90's] 'Dino Baggio' rush into your room breaking the doors out and then escape through the window leaving you there high and dry.

The best tracks: Los Lideres Africanos, Verdad Lebrel, Dino Baggio, Tropical

20 Key Labels of Contemporary Spanish Indie Scene. Part I

A month ago I incidentally came across an article named "13 Labels That Define Spain's Indie Music History". It briefly covered some truly emblematic labels but also the list included the labels that, on my opinion, had pretty limited impact on the scene. So I decided to make my own list of the key labels of Spanish indie rock. Here below is the 1st part of this list (in alphabetical order). 

Acuarela (Madrid) Sr. Chinarro, Migala, Refree

One of the seminal indie labels of 90s and 00s is led by 'the man of many talents' Jesus Llorente. Formerly being responsible for producing such the 'high profile' artists as Sr. Chinarro and Migala, now the label releases the string of less-known musicians like Manu Ferron or A Veces Ciclon while Jesus tries to diversify the activities by releasing the books and creating the comic strips.
One album to listen to: Migala "La Increible Aventura"

Aloud Music (Barcelona) Fira Fem, The Last 3 Lines, Nothink

The relatively young Barcelona-based label with the roster that could make the Pitchfork reviewers tremble - the genre specialization of Aloud lies somewhere in the wide range between [adored by hipsters] electro, nugaze and so-called 'post-everything'. Pitchfork would definitely like many of the albums released by the label.
One album to listen to: Fira Fem "Fira Fem"

BCore Disc (Barcelona) The New Raemon, Betunizer, Eric Fuentes

Arguably the most important Spanish indie label of today. Launched 25 years ago as some kind of Spain's own Dischord and initially being concentrated on punk and hardcore/post-hardcore now BCore includes many stylistically different bands (let's just take four most recent albums by the label: Dulce Pajara de Juventud's "Triumph" is alternative rock with 'wall of sound' and soul music elements, Margarita's self-titled effort is pop-punk, The New Raemon's "Oh, Rompehielos" is singer/songwriter and Jupiter Lion's "Brighter" is electro).
Also the label maintains the enormous list of officially licensed albums from many of the key North American independent labels where you can easily be drown into for hours.
One album to listen to: Betunizer "Gran Veta"

Discos Humeantes (Oviedo) Fabuloso Combo Espectro, SraSrSra, Farniente

The quirky punky uncompromised Asturian label's releases include, for instance, lo-fi/no-fi garage duo SraSrSra, tight punk band Futuro Terror, mentally unstable post-punks Fabuloso Combo Especto, perfect IDM project Farniente. Getting into your hands any given album released by Discos Humeantes you'll never know beforehands what you're up to deal with. And this is not a bug, it's a feature.
One album to listen to: Futuro Terror "Futuro Terror"

El Genio Equivocado (Barcelona) Las Ruinas, Grushenka, Algora

The burgeoning Barcelonian imprint tends to be one of the most interesting labels of the current moment. Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2015 the label spearheaded by Joan Casulleras and Rafa Piera has the perfect and potentially groundbreaking (at least in terms of indie world) roster that includes such names as Algora, Burrito Panza, Grushenka, Cosmen Adelaida, Como Vivir En El Campo, Hans Laguna, Las Ruinas... Should I tell you more? Probably no.
One album to listen to: Las Ruinas "Toni Bravo"

El Hombre Bala (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) Resonance, El Viejo Astra, Brutalizzed Kids

You may know nothing about Canarian indie scene but it's not because of the scene's poor conditions. Mostly it's because of the geographic remoteness and logistical issues caused by it. It's energetically and financially devastating to move your gear to and from the mainland, so only few bands from Canary Islands are able to do so. But if there is anything to prove the quality (and quantity as well) of the local bands that have limited live access to remote listener it's El Hombre Bala - the label, the bar, the eventplace.
One album to listen to: El Pilar Azul "La Constante Sin Nombre"

Elefant (Madrid) La Bien Querida, Cooper, La Casa Azul

To say "Spanish indie pop" is to mean "Elefant Records" and vice versa. Initially building its notoriety upon the 'donostia pop' phenomenon (Aventuras de Kirlian, Le Mans, etc) in the 1st half of 90s now Elefant remains one of the most notable and the most significant indie labels of Spain... not only Spain, in fact, but of all non-English speaking part of world being responsible for tons and tons of classics released all through these years.
One album to listen to: Family "Un Soplo En El Corazon"

Ernie Producciones (Vigo) Ninos Mutantes, Julio De La Rosa, Igloo

As I have already said it once, the balancing man stamp is the best confirmation of the quality. You can't deny the fact that Ernie Producciones/Records is one of the key indie labels as for Galicia as for Spain as a whole. Just look at these names: Ninos Mutantes, Julio de la Rosa, Igloo, Maryland, Nino Y Pistola, Napoleon Solo, Pasajero, Novedades Carminha, Holywater...It couldn't be any better.
One album to listen to: Igloo "La Transicion De Fase"

Flor Y Nata (Catalunya) Colorado, Lo Nunca Dicho, Carlos Siles

Having such the stylistically diversified bands as Colorado, Karenin, TanStuPids or Copo in the roster, another Catalan imprint Flor Y Nata has no inclination to any particular genre. But while the genre-based philosophy definitely is not one of the label's strenghts, the variety of supply truly is.
One album to listen to: Carlos Siles "Doce Maneras De Esperar El Final"

Foehn (Barcelona) I Am Dive, Oso Leone, Poomse

Led by red-haired Barcelonian Marc Campillo, Foehn Records is the label with distinct and well-shaped philosophy. If you're looking for the pure entertainment, please, walk away. There's nothing to entertain you but there's a lot to make you think over, make you feel deep emotions, make you drop with the raindrops upon the leaves in the hazy forests, make you see the world by the multifacet eye of the dragonfly.
One album to listen to: GAF & The Love Supreme Arkestra

The next part is HERE.

Murciano Total "Quereres Y Dejenes"

Murciano Total "Quereres Y Dejenes" (p)2015 El Genio Equivocado

Murciano Total have released a string of digital singles over the last 4 years, and frequently appeared in the social networks here and there so it sounds almost unbelievable that "Quereres Y Dejenes" is the first full lenght of this duo. Jose Lozano who established the considerable career as the frontman for renowned post-'Cool Britannia' veterans Automatics - as well as for the equally cool band Universal Circus - this time teamed up with his female pal Elena Molina now paves his way through the mellow synth pop meadows. Their travel through the relatively unusual (for me Jose's name was always associated mostly with the rock sound) territories sounds as naive as, I dunno, the early Depeche Mode and as old-school as Human League's "Don't You Want Me" (or even the most pop-oriented excerpts from the legacy of techno demiurges Kraftwerk). But I dare to consider Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark the main influence for the pair of Murcians. Like these new wave pioneers Murciano Total aren't afraid of the live instruments (mostly guitars - and honestly speaking, the tracks that do include guitars are my favourite ones here), and like OMD they have the bent for writing the tunes which are tight and sublime in the same time and everchanging like a ball of quicksilver - but unmistakably catchy.
Another fine entrance to the El Genio Equivocado's back catalogue.

The best tracks: El Espejo, Ventas De Ocasion, La Casa Parisina, Eficacias Y Mentiras, El Castillo de Roman

"Quereres Y Dejenes" on El Genio Equivocado BC

Grushenka "La Insoportable Levedad Del Ser"

Grushenka "La Insoportable Levedad Del Ser" (p)2015 El Genio Equivocado

If Grushenka sounded like the noisy version of New Order on their first longplay "Tecnicas Subversivas", then on the newest effort "La Insoportable Levedad del Ser" (which means "The Unbearable Lightness of Being") the quintet sounds more like any of that famous C86 cassette inhabitants. Throughout the songs like the title track or "Viaje Lisergico" you can almost see the frontman Xavi being haunted by the spirit of Bob Wratten (The Field Mice/Trembling Blue Stars).

As a massive Trembling Blue Stars fan I can only recommend this album to anyone who's into the quiet and intelligent indie pop/jangle pop with a bit 'who cares'-attention to the drums sound.

The best tracks: Nueva Era Existencial, Nos Encanta Hacerlo Todo Mal, La Procesion Va Por Dentro

To buy/listen: Bandcamp

Les Sueques "Educació Física"

It's only the middle of February but there already are not less than six releases from the burgeoning Barcelonian label El Genio Equivocado. So let's start with Les Sueques.

Les Sueques "Educacio Fisica" (p)2015 El Genio Equivocado

The band consists of three chicks and a guy. They're together for at least 4 years (dunno how much time they spent before releasing their first eponymous EP in 2011), and "Educacio Fisica" is their sophomore LP.
The songs here rarely exceed 3 minutes, and the rhythmical patterns on the most tracks are simplified enough, what - in addition to repetetive lyrics (my hands upon the notebook's keyboard want to use the term "cryptic" - I really feel so but I hardly understand a single word here cos the singer/bass player Blanca sings in Catalan, so I'm not sure) and angular guitar riffs - makes you feel like this band got vibe. It's nothing about some druggy conditions, it's about you got your chin nodding and your feet stomping without your intention to most of the songs.

In fact, for the person who seeks for a singalong the longest two tracks are the best ones here, especially the potential indie hit "I Apologize" - amongst these dadaist minimalist and surrealistic post-punk pieces this song with the catchy chorus is by all means the true gem. But the rest o' the tracks are anyway pleasant and satisfying.

The best tracks: I Apologize, Tot S'havia Acabat, Bromes, Ara Es Aqui

To listen/buy: Bandcamp

Las Resenas Casuales. Las Ruinas "Toni Bravo"

Las Ruinas "Toni Bravo" (p)2014 El Genio Equivocado

It came as a surprise for me as I had never heard of Las Ruinas previously.
I have no idea whether Las Ruinas are eager to be the Spanish Guided By Voices. But something (maybe their 5 or 6 releases in the last 3 years) makes me feel that way. It's clear that the band's modus operandi is not so far from Dayton, Ohio finest: the short noisy tracks with both legs in post-punk and/or college rock, relatively simple textures and quirky but undeniably catchy hooks - but fortunately, this amazing band is not a bunch of copycats at all, and the music they produce has not so much in common with Robert Pollard's main vehicle. The songs of Las Ruinas are colder, more 'robotic', more calculated and simultaneously are tighter in terms of instrumentation and wider in terms of space used. These tracks may seem simple enough but the truth is they are so perfectly constructed that could work even without vocals ("Ultimo Tren" as a proof).
The album of the week for me.

The best tracks: Automatas, Paseo Maritimo, La Epica De La Pobreza

The buy the digital copy of "Toni Bravo" please click here.

Las Resenas Casuales. Grushenka "Tecnicas Subversivas"

Grushenka "Tecnicas Subversivas" (p)2012 El Genio Equivocado

Named after the female character from Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel "The Karamazov Brothers" (yes, yes, the Russian roots are detected!) Barcelona's Grushenka play noise pop. And dreampop. And twee. All in a pretty naive way. I discovered them through the Ondas Del Espacio's Los Planetas' homage CD where they reinterpreted "Mi Hermana Pequena" and were the best band I wasn't familiar with. Honestly, I should say that the Los Planetas' song being played by Grushenka sounds better than any of Grushenka's own songs. But that's not the sentence - it's just the fact ascertaining that the band makes their own songs another way, and judging them by a cover (what a word-play here!) is not the best way to consider them at all.

Stylistically, "Tecnicas Subversivas" lies somewhere halfway from Times New Viking's "Dancer Equired"(which is undoubtedly the calmest album of the usually fast and furious trio) to The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart successfully delivering the carelessness-based creative vision of the first and fragile sincerety of the second.  

The best tracks: El Mecanismo De Defensa, Punset Ya Me Lo Dija, Ese Gran Lunar De Tu Epalda