Time for some excellent powerpop and rock from Spain! The Riffbackers is the new project of Fausto Martin (guitar and lead vocals) and Nacho Garcia (drums), which follows the breakup of their former band, The Winnerys (Rock Indiana-Spain/Rainbow Quartz-USA). This time around they are joined by Octavio Vinck (guitar on Paul Collins’ Beat and Amaral) and Dani Montero (bass on Cooper).
The Riffbackers were born in the springtime of 2007 in Madrid and took nearly two years to craft their debut record, “The Curtain Shop And Alterations”. The album is a new 11-song set that is heavily inspired by 70s and early 80s pop and rock. Musically, the band sounds like a mix of The Knack and Badfinger, with vocals that are often reminiscent of Paul McCartney. These guys are no strangers to writing good song hooks with strategically placed harmonies.
The record blasts into action with the attention-grabbing cut “Now It’s Fine” - bristling with energy, it is sure to make your playlist. “Do It Again” is a mid-tempo follower that is equally catchy, with enchanting harmonies in the chorus that will have you singing along in no time. After a quick diversion with the country-tinged “You’d Do Anything”, the band bounces back with a snappy garage pop rocker called “Sometimes”. Additional highlights include the presumably autobiographical “Stupid Rock Star’s Dream” as well as the harmony-laden gems “Step By Step” and “Under Your Spell”. The guys showcase their love for Beatles-styled acoustic ballads with the terrific “After All These Years”.
“The Curtain Shop And Alterations” was released at the end of 2009 under the band’s own label, Rainbow Lane Records, and has been gaining accolades ever since. And now they have another one. Fans of catchy, crunchy rock and pop will not want to let this one pass by.
iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11
The Riffbackers on MySpace.
