Editor’s note: Power pop remains an international genre, but non-English bands don’t always get attention. Here are some great bands from outside the USA that have 2019 releases that you should listen to — even if you don’t speak Spanish!
Super Ratones “Carreras de Aviones”
Super Ratones is a veteran power pop band from Mar del Plata, Argentina. They’ve been influenced by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Who, Hollies, Kinks and the Byrds. They were nominated for Grammy Award in 2001, and they still continue to produce excellent Spanish language power pop to this day.
They continue the musical journey in 2019 with their tenth album, Carreras de Aviones which translates to “aircraft races.” The band still has the melodies and vocal harmonies that command attention as evidenced by the title track. The catchy melody of “Un Minuto es Mucho Tiempo” and guitar attack of “A Remar” are awesome examples of these talented guys. Highly Recommended, so check it out!
Star Trip “Salto al vacio”
Star Trip is from El Altet, Alicante, Spain. They have a great power-pop sound, the opening title track “Salto al vacío” is a dense jangling guitar gem with heavy percussion, and most of the album follows this lead. I couldn’t find a weak song anywhere, and if these guys made an English language version of this LP it would be in my top 20 for sure. Very accessible and beautifully done. Highly Recommended.
m.a.p.a. “So Simple and So Clear”
This band from Madrid actually sings in English, and if you want to know what the band name means, check out my last post. The band has a jangling sound with the light vocals of Ana, and takes its influences from West Coast pop. Check out “Always Again,” “I Look Around” and “Different in Mars”
Tommy Lorente “Tommy Reltone”
Tommy Lorente does some of the most dynamic garage-rock-meets-power-pop I’ve ever heard from France. His latest double single is a Kinks-like gem, full of irresistible riffs and energy. I hope this leads us to a full-length LP soon!