Reviews
Various Artists Album: La Ola Nocturna : Experimental songs and deviant pop from the Spanish 80's
Label: Bongo Joe
Tracks: 24
Website: https://lesdisquesbongojoe.bandcamp.com/
This fascinating album looks far beyond the most famous, mainstream hits of La Movida Madrileña, the massive countercultural and artistic explosion that took place in Madrid during the late 1970s and 1980s following the end of Franco's dictatorship, and challenges the idea that this was the only interesting item of musical interest happening in Spain at the time. By highlighting independent labels, DIY bedroom producers, and subcultures that were overshadowed by the hype of the Madrid scene, it showcases the lesser-known, underground, and regional music scenes of that era.
The range of music explored covers off-beat pop, post-punk, punk feminism, new wave, synth wave, experimental electronics, gothic romanticism and DIY experimentation over 25 tracks which capture a Spain in transition, where new-found freedoms enabled the night to be turned into a laboratory for artistic exploration and invention.
Pushing back against the Madrid-centric narrative, it is clear that, not only in that city, but also from Barcelona to Vigo , San Sebastián and the Canary Islands, these artists drew on foreign sounds while capturing the specific energy of Spain's new democracy.
As is often the case with extensive compilations, (this one is released as a double vinyl), the end result can be a bit of a curate's egg. There are, however, several stand out groups/tracks for me.
The two offerings from Esclarecidos, a group formed in 1981 by an economist and three architects, 'El muro acabo con Matt (Berlín)', which features a sumptuous bass line, and 'Música para convenios colectivos' which has great energy, both show off the psychy vocal talents of Cristina Lliso and fine saxophone playing of Nachol Lliso.
In contrast. Kremlyn's 'The Girl Is Mine' is clearly influenced by the likes of Yazoo and Depeche Mode, and dare I suggest Ron Grainer and Delia Derbyshire? Casiotone and two-tiered Baleani organ sounds give solid electronic foundations above which the highly idiosyncratic vocal style of Montse Berman is allowed free rein.
The best of the experimental tracks is 'Tilly', presented by &Nil, a group formed in late 1988 as an improvisation duo called &, which was soon joined by Roberto Garcia (synthesizer, vocals), aka NIL.
One feature of this release is the brevity of many of the tracks. The two from Aventuras de Kirlian, 'En invierno' and 'Marnie la ladrona', for example, only clock in at 1 minute 19 seconds and 47 seconds respectively. A quartet formed in late 1985/early 1986 in San Sebastián, they grew a fanbase in the Basque Country, where they performed exclusively, and what is presented here gives just a glimpse of their creativity.
Alphaville provide my two favourite tracks. 'Ataque lateral' and 'Paisajes nocturnos', the longest track on the album at 6'04". Despite the fact that they formed in Madrid in 1980, to these ears the former presents as wonderful Italian prog rock sound, whilst the latter would not be out of place on a Sailor album.
The compilation closes strongly, with a track from El último sueño, a group again formed in 1981, this time by three high school friends. With 'Los muebles están volando', their trademark elegant melodies and string and wind instrument arrangements are on clear display.
The third in a Bongo Joes series, Lo Ola Nocturna shines a light on a vibrant independent scene where freedom, nightlife, counterculture and a desire to reinvent pop music gave rise to some of the decade's most singular and enduring sounds.
David Pratt
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