Various Artists

La Ola Interior Spanish Ambient & Acid Exoticism 1983 - 1990

Genre: ELECTRONIC, INDUSTRIAL / WAVE / ELECTRO

2LP (Black Vinyl)

Boomkat Product Review:

Superb survey of Spain’s lesser known ‘80s experimental niches, spanning cherry-picked goods by Esplendor Geométrico, Mecanica Popular, Finis Africae, Luis Delgado, Suso Sáiz and many more

Compiled by french critic and author Loïc Diaz Ronda, ‘La Ola Interior Spanish Ambient & Acid Exoticism 1983 - 1990’ is the more esoteric, heady sibling to his primer on the parallel era documented in 2018’s ‘La Contra Ola (Synth Wave and Post Punk From Spain 1980-1986).’ The 20 track set parses salient pieces of new age expression from a country whose experimental or avant music scene was stymied by its politics in comparison with other European neighbours during the same era. However Spain would keenly embrace the new paradigm with a refreshing charm during the ‘80s, as documented on this set, with richly abundant results comparable to the prevailign influence of german kosmiche and emerging movements of fourth world and new age ambient elsewhere in Europe, the US and overseas.

The results found here feel more artisanal and experimental, and it’s worth distinguishing them from the more groove-driven styles that would be incorporated under the Balearic banner for sun-kissed Euro debonaires and hordes of UK gurners who would stress the “E” in Balearic. Mostly taken from self-published releases that would take a lifetime of dedication to find, the tracks frame a quietly unmissable portal to a parallel world where distant traces of Spain’s Arabic heritage and non-Western inspirations come to light.

Over the years since the reissue machine has gone into overdrive, we’re now familiar with artists such as Mecánica Popular, who appear here in fleeting moments of improvised synth, along with the ethno-trance induction of Finis Africae on standouts ‘Hombres Lluvia’ or the lilting folk of ‘Hybla’, and a gem of orchestral drums and drones by industrial legends Esplendor Geométrico, plus Luis Delgado’s panoramic ‘El Ilanto de Nouronihar’. From farther, unknown nooks we find the freeform acid oddity of ‘Última Instancia’ by Orfeón Garain, the uncannily Gas-like loops of ‘Miguel A. Ruiz on ‘Transparent’, and wickedly gunk tape experiment by Camino al Desván all primed to plug gaps in knowledge and introduce eager ears to new strains of interest.

2LP (Black Vinyl) (20)