Barricada "Barricada" a.k.a "Doble Directo" 1990***

I got this CD last year in Barcelona. I had never heard of this band before, but after hearing some excerpts on FNAC's listening station I was convinced to buy it. Apparently they're one of the longest-running Spanish rock bands, and still going strong. They now have more than 30 years and 20 albums under their belt, while Barricada a.k.a. Doble Directo ("Live Double") seems to nicely sum up their first years (1983-1990). The band is very confident on stage, and all the songs are played tight and kept short. Their music seems equally influenced by the likes of Judas Priest and The Clash, full of punky energy, metallic riffs and fiery guitar solos. The lead vocals are rough but the choruses are big and melodic, often reminiscent of football chants. So it seems natural that the audience often joins in, singing with the band. It enhances the album's live atmosphere, though a few songs (i.e. "Animal Caliente", "No Sé Qué Hacer Contigo") are almost ruined from excessive audience participation. Highlights include the opener "Contra La Pared", "No Hay Tregua", "Rojo", the speedy single "Tu Condición", and  the frantic guitar solos of "Objetivo A Rendir". "Tentando A La Suerte", "Barrio Conflictivo" and "Campo Amargo" all sport great catchy choruses that remind me of New Model Army and Greek punk rockers Panx Romana. They probably also share the same political sympathies - the band's name sounds like a reference to the Spanish Anarchists' civil war anthem "A las Barricadas". At least that's my perception - the lyrics are printed on the booklet but I don't understand Spanish, so I could be mistaken. In one sentence, this is an energertic live recording of simple, straightforward hard rock sung in Spanish.

**** for Contra La Pared, No Hay Tregua, Tentando A La Suerte, Barrio Conflictivo, Campo Amargo, Rojo

*** for Abrir Y Cerrar, A Toda Velocidad, Por Salir Corriendo, Dentro Del Espejo, Objetivo A Rendir, No Sé Qué Hacer Contigo, Juegos Ocultos, Invitación A La Pesadilla, Tu Condición, Tan Fácil, Esta Noche, Cuidado Con El Perro

** for La Hora Del Carnaval, Situación Límite, Picadura De Escorpión, Animal Caliente, Okupación