Fuengirola by FLOW

No one had ever done anything like this in Spain yet, but if there was any band who could do it, no doubt it was FLOW. They already showed with pride how wide and selected their taste was on their debut EP “Bitter Candies In Seven Inches”, and their new record is the definitive prove of their enviable eclecticism, their absolute lack of prejudices and their desire to enjoy both us and themselves with what they do. Something that just a few illustrious lunatics as WEEN or GUIDED BY VOICES can do with such a successful shamelessness.

They’ve been some time -too much, say the most impatient- since their LP “Headquake”, to record this “Fuengirola”, and this has surely helped to clarify their ideas. You can tell because of the security and versatility of Fernando’s voice, the freshness of the compositions and their increasing self-confidence when embracing so many different styles without losing their own personality. Because, on this surprising, peculiar record, FLOW dare to face up to almost anything: they revive the legacy of ERIC BURDON & THE ANIMALS, connecting it to the best brit-pop (“Rod Stewart”); they sing a few songs in Spanish, opening a hopeful window for their next releases, with great results (“Cuento De Verano” is an indisputable hit); they reclaim the free spirit of THE LOVIN’ SPOONFUL’s jug-band-music on the luxuriant party that is “Fuengirola”; they renew the homagethey rendered to PAVEMENT and lo-fi from “Headquake” on songs like “Señor”, “Milky Ghost” or on the vitaminic punk-indie-rock of “Gotcha!”, and they extend it to the genius GIANT SAND on “Fostex Garbage Blues”; they even dare to play an hyperclassical blues (“Picaneto”) or to include a piece of hooliganism like “Fire Alarm”.

Their new bassist José Angel (all of a director of a School of Music playing in a pop band!) has contributed with the inclusion of bright keyboard arrangements, which makes the beauty of some of their melodies even richer. Most of the songs are very short, avoiding useless digressions: they unfold the idea, develop it with simplicity and inspiration, and quickly change the subject. It seems like if they had an inexhaustible melodic flow, and no doubt they have a brilliant sense of humour. You can tell, besides, that they have had a great time in the studio while recording these songs, so you can’t help but forget about your problems and let a smile of satisfaction appear in your face.

The wonderful sleeve, crafted once again by Juan Clemente (ideologist and usual collaborator with the band), goes back to the unmistakable, lovely style of their first single. “Fuengirola” is a record that your eyes will like first, and your ears will love later on: it won’t leave your head for a long time.

Try it, it’s good for your health.