First of all, greetings to everyone reading these lines. As you correctly mentioned, I am a guitarist for the bands you listed. I am a composer/lyricist in Jolly Rogers and Irreductibles, although the other members of the band are the ones who truly embellish and complete the songs. I merely lay the foundation. I joined Thumbscrew for their latest album, "Pride of Pain," but in this band, I only receive orders, hahaha. It's a pleasure for me to play with them because I've been a fan since their beginnings.
We begin our interview with Jolly Rogers' latest album, "PoesÃa Irreverente"... Can you tell us something about the album's creation and recording process, any anecdotes?
Well, we recorded this album with a new lead guitarist, although he joined shortly after our second split album (Ojos en un mundo ciego) was released, so he has been with us for five years now. And the truth is, there was a significant change, especially in terms of composition. In the previous albums, it was more old-fashioned, in the rehearsal room with few changes to what I composed. This time, it was much more elaborate, and each member contributed their own touch, especially in the guitar composition. We also gradually composed in a "home" studio before taking it to a professional studio. Everything took longer, but I believe it was worth it.
Was it easy to turn the most iconic Spanish "copla" into a rock anthem?
Well, the truth is that it was quite challenging. It's a style that is very difficult to adapt to rock; it seems simple, but it's not, especially when it comes to adapting the rhythm for the drums.
Your lyrics have always been impactful and inspiring. Who writes the verses?
As I mentioned before, I write the songs, although for this
latest album, a good friend helped me and wrote most of the song
"Forajido." He is also helping me with some of the new songs we are
composing. He is an excellent lyricist.
Just out of curiosity, why were the first two albums of Jolly Rogers released as splits with Irreductibles instead of full-length albums? What do we need to know about the other band, and why do they sound so similar to Jolly Rogers?
I don't believe they sound alike. Personally, I think they have different styles, both in lyrics and musical composition. However, I suppose you have some valid points because we're not the first people to be told this, especially by those outside of Spain. The main reason for releasing them as splits instead of individual albums is that the same person composes for both bands. Releasing ten songs for each band would be a lot of work and would create a significant difference between one album and the other.
What interesting details can you share about your live concerts, both locally and in Europe? You have played twice for VFS in Italy in 2019 and 2022. What are your memories of these events, and how did the concert-goers receive your performances?
Due to personal reasons, Jolly Rogers cannot attend all the concerts we would like to. We have been invited to play in many countries, but we have only been able to perform in Spain, France, and Italy for the reasons I mentioned earlier. We played once in Germany, but it was an exception. We have played many times with VFS, many times. We share a great friendship, and we all have wonderful memories, especially from the two Ritorno a Camelot and Defend Europe shows. They were spectacular, both in terms of organization and the bands that played, as well as the audience turnout. These people are a great example of how to do things right.
Regarding the audience response, we have always been very happy. We have felt at home wherever we have played, both on and off the stage.
Irreductibles played once in my homeland, Bulgaria. Did you have a good time in Sofia?
Well, it's one of the places I have the best memories of, and that's saying something because we haven't had any complaints wherever we've been. But this one was special, the concert was a lot of fun, and I loved the city. Good food, good beer, and the bars and restaurants didn't close all night. What more could you ask for? Hahahaha.
Jens Brandy from Enfstufe is a big fan of yours... Any ideas for a joint project with the legends of the German skinhead scene?
Yes, we have a good friendship, and we have played together with the different bands he's been in. There are some things in the works, not with Jolly Rogers, but with another band, and there are also some ideas with Jolly Rogers and another good and legendary German band. But we can't reveal anything yet because it's still very early. Hopefully, everything will work out.
Shifting the topic to Thumbscrew... I saw you in Edinburgh, and you were amazing, surpassing the rest of the bands that night! Can you give a brief introduction to the band's history, members, recordings, etc.?
As I mentioned, I joined the band for their last album. The
band was formed in 2008, but they didn't rehearse much. Eventually, they
released a few songs in 2012 with more of an Oi! influence. Then the band sort
of dissolved, only to come back later with a new guitarist/composer (Javi) who
introduced a much more punk rock sound. The singer and bassist have been in the
band since the beginning, while the lead guitarist joined around 2017, if I'm
not mistaken, which is when the band took that stylistic turn. There have been
several changes in drummers, and currently, Ivan is in the lineup. He also
joined around 2017 with some breaks in between.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the song "Bad Mother Fucker" could easily be confused with a Dropkick Murphys song. Are you influenced by this band?
No, there is no specific influence from a particular band,
but naturally, the person who composes the songs is heavily influenced by
American punk rock, and it shows in some of the tracks.
I listened to Thumbscrew's latest EP, "Rex Pelagius / Perros de la Guerra." Two things I immediately noticed are the more metal sound and the fact that you sing in Spanish, rather than the usual English. Can you share more about this record? Will these songs be part of a future album, and what can we expect from you?
There were two songs that deviated slightly from Thumbscrew's style, they had a more metallic sound, and we wanted to create songs with a Spanish historical theme, so we did it in our language. It was more of an experiment than an evolution for the band. The next album will follow the style of "Pride of Pain," aiming to improve upon it but maintaining a similar approach and sung in English.
Thumbscrew has a split album with Last Chance (titled "Patriotic Resistance"), the other band you play for. To be honest, I can't stop listening to their 5 songs, which I think are incredible. Please introduce the band. This is their only recording so far, what can we expect in the future?
It's a project I had in mind for a long time, a musical genre that I really enjoy playing and listening to. I wanted to have a band in English as well because the language lends itself to that style. I had the musicians, but I was missing a vocalist who was comfortable with the language. In the end, a Portuguese friend living in Barcelona stepped up, we tried it out, and it was perfect. His vocal range fit what we were looking for. We released a split album as an introduction along with Thumbscrew, and now we have enough songs for a full-length album. However, we have encountered some unforeseen circumstances, and we'll be inactive for a while. But we promise to come back with a new album and stronger than ever.
What do you think about the Spanish RAC scene? Are you influenced by any of the bands? What are your favorite bands?
I have commented on this many times; I believe that the Spanish RAC scene is experiencing a good moment. There are bands with a long trajectory, followed by new ones that are emerging with strength and determination. These bands have personality and each has its own lyrical and musical style. Some of the newer bands include Los SDR, Eterno Combate, Last Chance, Lobera, Bulldog Glory, Skinstorm, Kontrol Rutinario, Revuelta, among others, while more established bands include Post Mortem, Pugilato, Iberian Wolves, Nemini Parco, Brigada Totenkopf, Thumbscrew, Jolly Rogers, Irreductibles, and even though they are a recent band, directed by a veteran, El Vandalo. We have great bands, and while some may appeal more to some people than others (which is a good sign), the important thing is that we have the spark for years to come. I'm sure I have left out some bands, and if so, I apologize, but it's impossible to remember them all.
As for whether I feel influenced by any band, I don't think so, at least not directly. But if I had to name one, it would be Estirpe Imperial, without diminishing the importance of any other band. All the patriotic rock bands I grew up with have influenced me indirectly in some way, but Estirpe Imperial and possibly 7 Muelles have a special place.
How do you see the future of patriotic rock in Spain and Europe?
In Spain, we have new bands with young people coming in with a lot of strength, something that I think is not happening in Europe. That's the problem; there's a lack of youth, not only in music but in all areas. We need a generational change.
Are you and your bandmates interested in football? Which teams do you support?
Some of us may be interested in the world of football, or maybe not. But if that's the case, it's on a personal level. As a band, we're completely indifferent. We don't take a stance for or against it. It's a personal decision for each individual. But as a band, we're indifferent.
What is your personal view on the ongoing war in Ukraine?
Well, there are strategic and economic interests that benefit the usual suspects. It's an organized and prepared war where politicians are puppets manipulated by the elites. The only victims are the Ukrainian people who are fighting to protect their homes and families while being attacked by some and sold out by others.
In your latest album, the song "La Resistencia" talks about the political tension in the streets of Barcelona in recent years. How do you see the future of Catalonia?
I've also mentioned this several times; it was a phenomenon that is currently deflated. They will probably fuel it again when they want to divert public attention to do something of their own. It's a beast that has been fed by both the left and right in the central government, and it continues to be fed today. It kept people entertained for a few years, but the circus is over because it's no longer of interest. But the curtain will rise again, and the clowns will return, that's for sure. Family divisions will reemerge, and tension will return to the streets because society is foolish and follows wherever the herd goes.
Any final words? A message for our readers and your fans? Where can they get albums/vinyl/t-shirts from the bands you're part of?
Thank you for the interview. I have liked the questions, off-topic, and anyone who wants any of our albums at Tuono Records, they have copies, and t-shirts and merch on our Facebook or Instagram. Regards, STAYING STRONG IN A WORLD IN RUINS.
