Melenas

Following Hinds, Mourn (2015) and Nuria Graham (2019), there’s finally another Spanish band in the Pop-Kultur line-up. The quartet from Pamplona has been on our wish list for a few years now, so the fact that they’ll finally be coming in 2024 is a reason to rejoice – and the wait will be rewarded, as Oihana, Leire, Maria, and Lauri have immensely expanded their musical scope on their latest album »Ahora«. Whereas on their first two albums, Melenas combined sixties-inspired garage beats with dream pop to create a lively blend of good vibes, they have now added darker tones into the mix. The new songs are more profound, the lyrics more thoughtful. And synthesisers have become more prominent, a development that has been apparent since their great cover of Grauzone’s Neue Deutsche Welle hit »Eisbär« (for them: »Osa Polar«), being reflected in a more varied sound and nuanced production. Songs like »Bang« create an irresistible pull, accentuated by Melenas’ polyphonic vocals. It’s going to be a party, or rather, a fiesta at Frannz Club. ¡Ciertamente!