Well, there it is. The World Cup is over. I am already experiencing withdrawal symptoms. I am even going to miss the droning of the vuvuzela (I say that now, though I will likely change my tune Wednesday night at the Columbus Crew match when I am sat in front of a row of eight-year-olds vuvuzeling their little hearts out). I think we all can admit that it wasn’t the most beautiful game ever played, but Spain have won and etched their names on the cup for the first time. More importantly, however, that means it’s also Spain Week at The Indie Handbook (which we’ll call La Fiesta Roja until someone who actually speaks Spanish can come up with a better name). It’s only fair, really, since we’ve already had Dutch Week once.
Of course, the easy way to do this would be to work our way through the Elefant Records roster. But I am determined to actually put some effort into this, which is why we are going to get things started with Barcelona’s Nitoniko. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since Andrés Iniesta notched his game-winner in the 116th minute, it’s that the Spanish have a serious gift for melody (get used to the idea, because it’s going to be a recurring theme this week), and Nitoniko are no different.
Their album, Selva de mar, is full from start to finish of ultra-catchy, super-singable synthpop in the vein of robot rockers (and personal favourite of mine) Joy Electric. If you can listen to Nitoniko without the slightest urge to drop what you’re doing and dance around the room—well, then I pity you. But why don’t you go ahead and give it a try. You can download Selva del mar for free on Bandcamp.
So, what are you waiting for?
The Indie Handbook 