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.

Living through the jet lag, getting back from the vacation

Taking in mind my passion to Canarian rock, visiting Tenerife for the fourth time I shouldn't been spending time there only for burning my skin in the sun and then soaking it into the cold salty waters of the Atlantic ocean. If our previous Canarian trip was marked by a brief (not so brief though) encounter with Pumuky guitarist and co-founding member Noe Ramirez then this time not only we spent a night with Noe and GAF leader Mladen Kurajica but also we attended the Tenerifean stop of the ongoing pan-Canarian concert tour Conexion Canarias in the good company of GAF's trumpet player Alejandro Padron. Also, we've attended the El Hombre Bala bar, the headquarters of the prominent Tenerife-based indie label of the same name. I'm not saying we were diving deep into Canarian rock scene - but I consider it relatively deep for the persons from so far away.

I'm not going to speak about the details of our supper with Noe & Mladen cos it was absolutely private event. So let's start from El Hombre Bala (The Bullet Man).

The day before we came there, there was the presentation of the first effort of Trinidad (the lone girl Zaynab Esther is hiding behind this moniker) - the "Pop Terror" EP. To attend this event was our initial intention but Alejandro proposed us to go to Banda Aparte bar for the Conexion Canarias-organized concerts the next day. Because to drive the island through at night three days in a row wasn't the easiest thing to do for us we decided to abandon Trinidad's presentation in favor of Conexion Canarias. But before walking to Banda Aparte we came to El Hombre Bala where I took a couple of beers and made a purchase of Trinidad's effort (along with the new full lenghts of Brutralizzed Kids and Velcro). Also we received two guitar pickups as the memorabilia.

Then we paved our way to Banda Aparte but it seemed like there was a shift of timeline because at 10 p.m. no one was going to make some noise like it was scheduled. The music program started an hour later with the acoustic set of Mento. Usually the band is not acoustic but only three members out of five were present there. Their songs sounded like they were intended to sound much louder, the guys were able to catch the listeners' attention so now I'm waiting for more music from them.
The next band to play was Navy Blue Socks. This band reminded me of Versos Rotos whom we have seen earlier this year on Sonorama. With catchy songs and the distinct contemporary indie rock sound they have the potential to be well-known amongst young people.
Then we left the bar cos it was already too late for us, and my wife Tanya felt bad.

Navy Blue Socks

Regarding Trinidad.

Now I worry that we didn't visit her show because the girl really has 'it'. The "Pop Terror" EP contains only 5 songs but these songs are speaking much. The tiny fragile acoustic melodies create the atmosphere which befriends you with "Pop Terror" with the greatest of ease.  Honestly speaking, the comparisons with Russian Red are too obvious to be 100% true so we need to find the better reference point. Let's look: lo-fi sound cross honest emotions cross sence of humour... oh wait... Liz Phair?

The best ever lines in credits are saying: "This disc is dedicated to all my neighbours. For bearing the guitar noise, impossible chords and the discs of Pantera and Mariah Carey. Except the neighbour from behind. Not for you. Put yourself the chainsow in the ass"

Gaf y la Estrella de la Muerte - Balayo Sunrise

Upon my return from the sweet Canarian vacation I'd like to put here this composition as a bridge to what's coming next.

#SonoramaRibera2014. Los recuerdos nuevos

Las Resenas Casuales. Joe La Reina "Bailamos Por Miedo"

Joe La Reina "Bailamos Por Miedo" (p)2014 Subterfuge

'Rusia es nuestra peste/Rusia es el fin'
This is a folk rock album, a certain kind of a folk rock album. In the world of folk rock albums this would be a bastard. The fractured, the sick, the hysterical, the ironic, the morbid, the balladesque. The Donostian quintet have created an album that is as unique as powerful and as strange as true.
Many things may look strange here, but everything is under control. Lucas Malcorra, the singer of the band wails, groans and bemoans like a Middle Age haunted minstrel (or like Robert Pollard under the influence) but never falls into pure 'stream of consciousness'. The somber athmosphere of "Bailamos Por Miedo" befriends it with the works of McEnroe, while the free-minded handling with the song structures puts it in the same category as Izal's more convoluted creatures (with Joe La Reina being much more somber and enigmatic). But what is the most definitive thing about this album - and here I must repeat the line that I wrote right after their performance in Sonorama - Lucas does not sing a song to you, he tells you a tale instead.

From the 'plague Russia' point of view I must admit that it's one of the best releases of the year, and definitely one of the most memorable.

The best tracks: Rusia, Huracan 2000, En Una Casa Junto Al Mar, Oh La Mía Pena


Joe La Reina in Subterfuge

#SonoramaRibera2014. The Report. Day 4, 16.08.2014. All has come to an end

The day that presented us with one of the greatest shows of the year has started from the set of Ricardo Vicente. The resident of Marxophone label made the full-band performance that sounded as beautiful and confidential as muscular enough. The man on the second guitar looked like the former Havalina bass player Nahum Garcia. It wouldn't be any surprise for me if it was exactly he. 

Ricardo Vicente

After Ricardo stopped playing we stayed on Plaza waiting for Maryland. This galician band made it to TOP10 in my own list of the best releases of year 2013 but I couldn't even think that they're such great onstage! It was an absolutely fantastic show indeed! With wreckingball energy, melodies galore and sincere enthusiasm they arranged on Plaza del Trigo la gran fiesta para todos los espectadores. In the crowd before the stage we were so close to the group of girls prepared for the show - they have all these festive crackers and confettis and multicoloured spiral-twisted bands. They gave us a part of their packs so we were involved in this celebration. In sum with what occured onstage it was grandiose, by all means.

Maryland

We were so exhausted emotionally that we decided not to stay here for Sexy Zebras - and this decision later appeared as a great mistake because after Zebras' set the new 'secret show' was announced. This time there were Second. But we were not there, unfortunately.

Before the evening/night set we paved our way to Restaurante Miguel because two days ago  Javier Ajenjo gave us two coupons for free lechazo in there. Lechazo was great but what made our presenсe there unforgettable were the plates attached to the walls. All these plates were signed and decorated by the musicians who were there before: Tuya, Tachenko, PLV Havoc, Sharon Bates... Even my all-time american favourites Nada Surf. So, we were permitted to take a photo with the latest plate - one with Ninos Mutantes' handpaintings.

The evening set started for us with the Paciente Cero's set in the Hangar tent - the tiny stage situated opposite to the mercadillo. The band contacted me in twitter a week and a half before the festival and invited me to their show. I agreed.

Paciente Cero rocked. They played highly melodic alternative rock with interesting rhythmic consequences and memorable vocals of band leader Rafa Tunon. These guys are ready for the larger venues and I hope they would be invited for the next edition of the fest. After their set I approached them and told them who we are and from where we are. The guys were pretty shocked by the fact that somebody from hell knows where could attend their show.

Dos pacientes con dos rusos

Then I was forced to run like hell to catch the last two songs finalizing the actuacion of Belako. Initially I intended to see their full performance but Paciente Cero were too cool to leave them so I catched only the final part. Fortunately, the part that I managed to watch included the song "Sea Of Confusion" that I consider their best song. After Belako we came to Castilla stage to look at Juventud Juche. This trio made aggressive and essentially un-melodic punk rock. We stayed there for 2-3 songs and then moved further. The 'further' were Rick Brendan, the rock'n'roll clowns of political incorrectness and glam-rock freak-show positivism. To our surprise, it sounded better than looked and than we might imagine from such description.

Rick Brendan

Then we returned to Hangar tent to see one more young band that I occasionally followed on twitter. Versos Rotos as Paciente Cero before them showed their ability to hand over the larger venue. They sounded very clean and rich, and their songs had really catchy choruses. Some of the young female fans were detected in the crowd - for young rock band it's always good. 

Versos Rotos

Our next stop was Nacho Vegas on Ribera stage. Nacho with his guitar stood in front of the crowd. Right beside him there was Abraham Boba sitting playing on his keyboard set.

Nacho Vegas (right) and Abraham Boba (left)

We stayed there for some time and then came to VIP zone to drink some wine - an obligatory ritual for us these days. After our blood/wine balance was fine-tuned we came to Tachenko. Honestly speaking, I mostly don't like the albums of this band but their live set changed my mind on them. They were really consistent and their songs sounded much better than on albums. The perfect live band they are.

Tachenko

I don't know why and how but after Tachenko we somehow appeared in Future Satrs stage where some synth-based band was playing at the moment. It was the band Panama from Australia. They sounded like indie rock Simply Red but the songs were catchy enough to enjoy them so we spent some time there until Panama's set was over.

Panama

We spent 10 minutes or so at the main stage where Duncan Dhu were performing. This band of Basque origin disbanded in 2001, but in 2013 they returned to activity. I've tried them earlier but couldn't find my soul much into their music. But it seemed right to look at them just to show respect. 

Grises are from Basque Country as well. This year the band from Zupiskoa put out their third album called "Animal", and its quality pushed their show in 'not-to-be-missed' category for us. Grises fully met our expectations being loud, outrageous and roaring. Though mostly they showed us their electronica side but at times the band exploded with the bursts of alternative rock guitar chugging or elements of techno-dance rave.

Grises

Tired but happy we came to Future Stars to see Parade. But the show of Parade was delayed due to a) prolonged performance of Wilhelm And The Dancing Animals, and b) problems with connection. When the 'robot rock' band of Antonio Galvan finally started to play we understood that we were already too tired. So, Parade were the last band that we saw on this Sonorama.

Parade

So, say goodbye to all these sunny happy days full of great music and best people in the world! Say hi to yearlong days of grief and depression. Though... the memories are with us, ain't they?

#SonoramaRibera2014. The Report. Day 3, 15.08.2014. Minutes of glory

The program of the third day should start again on Plaza del Trigo with the set of The Handicaps. We saw The Handicaps last year on Red Bull Tour Bus and they caught our attention by their energy, good pack of melodies and unconventional use of stage railings and mic stands as the tools to play their guitars. So The Handicaps were 'must see' for us.

The Handicaps

Their set was as energetic and melodic as it had been a year ago, and we were standing right before the stage at its middle, but for us the performance was a bit spoiled by the fact that we hardly could hear the vocals (I suppose that the stage monitors were tuned this way to provide the far-standing persons with the wall of sound cos it seemed like for those behind us everything was OK). In terms of stage presence The Handicaps rocked as hell. Would like to see them again.

They were folowed by the four-piece Perro - the band from Murcia who play loud rock that has strong ties to hardcore but is not hardcore itself. Their uncommon feature is doubled drum section - yes, with two drummers. Additionally, the guitarist and the bass players shared the vocal duties and switched their instruments. We moved to the left (for us) corner of Plaza del Trigo to hide from the scorching sunlight - and there vocals were OK. Perro were bold, cocky and perky. The people on Plaza raved for them.

Perro

The next band were Correos, another alternative rock band. I was not familiar with them at all, never heard anything of them before. But they were equally cool, loud and melodic. One more band to follow or even to fall for.

Correos

After their set we met again with Javier Ajenjo. And what followed next almost drove me absolutely mad. Javier took me onstage right in front of the crowd and then introduced me to all of the people there, to all of these happy faces on the square and nearby streets. it was only for 30 seconds max but it was definitely the most heartwrenching moment of my life. The crowd even chanted my name! I'm a shy person but it was fantastic. If it was unbelievable for me to met a person who knows about the mere existence of my blog, or to hug with the fest director/musician from the band that I adore - then what was THIS? It was... I don't know. Maybe if I'm dying at 70 there wouldn't be any comparable moment for the rest of my life (unfortunately, I can't find any foto documenting this moment).

And after that the 'secret show' of Ninos Mutantes started. Plaza del Trigo stage is famous for such the surprises. Last year there was the secret show of Supersubmarina where the band played their own songs but finished them with somebody else's tunes. Now Ninos Mutantes made a set of covers that included Pixies, Depeche Mode and, again, Raphael's "Como Yo Te Amo". The only song of their own was "Errante".We were standing backstage 10 feet behind the musicians so I didn't dare to shout out the words of "Where Is My Mind" or "Errante" staying so close.

Ninos Mutantes from backstage

The opening act of the evening/night set were The Three Generations. I'd been listening to their album "Pillage" pretty regularly a couple of years ago. Live they were driving and cohesive but we left them in favor of Jack Knife. We missed this band last year on Plaza del Trigo - and as far as I knew from the reports and chronicles they set the Plaza on fire. So I would like to see them on much larger venue. And I'd rather consider this a loss. No, the band was OK - but Ribera stage seemed too large for them, and the audience seemed not to be so numerous. On the closed space of Plaza del Trigo surrounded by buildings the sound is more narrowly directed than on wide area of recinto ferial, and the spectators are so close one to another that they can almost strike the sparks by the collisions of their bodies. Maybe now they gathered the same amount of people - but here before the main stage it seemed like the lack of people.

The Three Generations

Jack Knife

Later we went to Castilla stage to see El Hombre Gancho. Before Sonorama I've checked them on youtube and found them good enough to go and see them. I made no mistake - El Hombre Gancho were fine. The band members looked like the old school latino-rockers but their music had nothing in common with old school latino-rock.

El Hombre Gancho

We stayed with them for 6 or 7 songs and we'd like to stay more but we should leave to win ourselves a better place before Ribera to see Second. Second are on tour with the last year's album "Montana Rusa", and now they're touring with the tiny classic orchestra. The participation of the orchestra is limited, it does not prevail on sound but makes the songs more colourful and bright. Second were in the perfect form. The band did not concentrate on the songs from "Montana Rusa" and played almost all the best songs from the last three albums. Overall, it was an astonishing show. "No, THAT was the best concert in my life", said I when it was over.

Second with the orchestra

After Second we came to VIP zone to drink wine and stayed there for awhile listening to DePedro from afar.

The whole show of Amaral we were watching from 'zona privado' of the VIP zone. Eva Amaral is another controversial person of this edition of Sonorama. She was one of the first headliners penned for the fest, and it was met with mixed reaction from fans due to Amaral and her band are on the far pop wing of Spanish rock music. Despite this fact she has good connections within the indie world, and her performance was much lauded anyway.

Amaral

If the performance of Leon Benavente that we say a year ago was absolutely outrageous, the new one seemed to be more controlled. All this year me and Tanya were listening to Leon Benavente's releases (self-titled LP and EP "Todos Contra Todos") so their set took no surprises for us in itself. But every performance of the band is a must by default - so great they are.

Leon Benavente

On the song "Ser Brigada" we started to break out of the crowd to run for Izal, but there was no place to run because another crowd was already there. We stuck somewhere in the middle without clean perspective to get closer to Tanya's favourite band. It was the first time for us when we could not manage to get to the security bars right at the stage - the good planning did not work well when the target shows were going back to back.

Mikel was bright and spectacular as always. We knew all the songs by heart and were just dancing and shouting the lyrics in the air. Needless to say that we were absolutely happy.

Izal from afar

At 2 a.m. we started to pave our way back home but before we walked away we listened to a couple of songs by Reptile Youth. It was enough to consider Reptile Youth not our piece of pie.

Summarizing the emotions, it was a great day for us. The greatest day. But it could be even better if we would attend the set of Cosmen Adelaida that was impossible due to coincidence with Izal.