Los Enemigos
There was absolutely no room for standing on ceremony at Sala Moon last night. A packed-out, sold-out venue, a crowd ready to sing its lungs out and Los Enemigos delivering the kind of performance that reminds you exactly why they've remained one of Spain's most loved rock bands for four decades.
From the moment the Madrid veterans got going, the atmosphere was electric. This was a room full of people who knew the songs, knew the words and had clearly been waiting for this one. And Josele Santiago and the boys gave them plenty to shout about.
Formed in Madrid in 1985, Los Enemigos have built their reputation the hard way: through great songwriting, sharp-edged guitars, a healthy dose of attitude and lyrics that have always had plenty to say. Albums such as Ferpectamente, La vida mata, La cuenta atrás and Nada helped establish them as one of the essential names in Spanish rock. Four decades on, their music still sounds wonderfully alive.
Last night's set was a celebration of that remarkable catalogue, with the classics getting the treatment they deserved and the audience responding to every twist, turn and familiar riff. There was no shortage of singing, shouting and hands in the air. The connection between band and crowd was obvious, with Josele Santiago engaging with the audience and the room giving plenty back. It felt less like watching a band from the stage and more like being part of one enormous, slightly unruly rock 'n' roll gathering.
The new material from Canciones Chulas, released in October, sat comfortably alongside the much-loved back catalogue. That's no small achievement for a band with such a deep history. The new songs didn't feel like an obligatory sales pitch for the latest album; they were part of the same story, delivered with the same character, bite and musical confidence that have always defined Los Enemigos.
And that's the secret. No grand gestures, no unnecessary nonsense, just musicians who know their craft, a formidable collection of songs and a live chemistry that comes from years spent playing together. The guitars had the grit, the rhythm section kept everything moving and Santiago's unmistakable voice remained right at the centre of it all.
Sala Moon was absolutely rammed, the crowd was up for it and Los Enemigos were clearly enjoying themselves. It was a brilliant reminder that Spanish rock has some seriously deep roots – and that this particular band still knows exactly how to make them shake.
A sold-out room, a mountain of classics and a band playing with real conviction. Los Enemigos didn't just visit Valencia; they gave Sala Moon a proper rock 'n' roll schooling. Long may they continue!
Wordd and photos: Rhyan Paul
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