Talk about música con conciencia. If you thought it was hard to find music that shied away from the superficial lyrics that are currently bombarding the radio and the few music video channels still alive, you must check out this Spanish band.
Not only do they have lots to say, but for once it’s not about weed, hos, being famous, hooking up, and/or falling in and out of love. In a day and age where the music industry is on a steady decline, music lovers must resort not only to foreign, music but also to revisiting music from previous decades with the hopes of finding something good.
Ska-P is a ska punk band formed in Vallecas, Spain, in 1994. If you were to classify them according to their lyrics and music, Ska-P could be categorized, politically, as a leftist (almost anarchist) musical group. Despite (or because of) its radical views, it remains one of the most popular ska bands in Spain and Europe.
Their attitude is totally valemadrista, but don’t be fooled. Their nonconformist attitude is also evident in their crazy haircuts- mohawaks included. Regardless of their fun image, musically Ska-P has well-rehearsed and tight arrangements, which also include a small but striking brass section that gives the band a powerful sound.
Ska-P is very open and frank about their views. Common themes throughout their songs are human rights, including abolishment of the death penalty, social injustice, anti-fascism, anti-capitalism, anti-Zionism, support for the legalization of cannabis, and animal rights- they are huge on pushing the abolishment of bullfighting.
Since the band was formed back in 1994, there had been very few line-up changes. Like any activity that involves many individuals, they had their artistic differences and strong opinions about certain issues. In spite of that, they were able to work through their disagreements for several years. It was in 2005 that they decided to go on indefinite hiatus to work on solo projects; they failed to make it clear whether or not they would be getting back together.
Throughout the ten years as a band, they released six albums: Ska-P (1994), El Vals del Obrero (1996), Eurosis (1998), Planeta Eskoria (2000), ¡¡Que Corra La Voz!! (2002), and a live album and DVD in 2004- Incontrolable.
When band members have been asked to confirm "off the record" whether there is any truth to rumors of their getting back together, they have not ruled out the possibility, insisting that they are only taking time off. The band is said to be getting ready to make a comeback, but without Pipi and Joxemi. Pulpul has reportedly already composed songs for a forthcoming album.
Ska-P is:
Roberto Gañan Ojea “Pupul”- rhythm guitar and lead vocalist; Jose Miguel Redin Redin “Joxemi”- guitar; Julio Cesar Sanchez- bass guitar; Alberto Javier Amado “Kogote”- keyboards and backing vocals; Luismi- drums; Ricardo Delgado de la Obra “Pipi”- backup vocalist; Alberto Iriondo “Txikitin”- trumpet; Garikoitz Badiola “Gari”- trombone.
"El Gato Lopez" | video from: MrRude
Check them out at: www.ska-p.net, www.myspace.com/skap
Don't have their CDs? Get them now:
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