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Part of the “Nerd Rock” revival along with “Weezer”, “Superdrag” and “Cake” - Nada Surf have been a major part of American Indie Rock for over 30 years.   In 1992 the band was formed in New York by Matthew Caws and Daniel Lorca - initially under the name “Helicopters” before changing to “Nada Surf”, which Caws said is "actually referring to something much more existential, it's just surfing on nothing. Being lost in your head or in your imagination but you know, whenever I listen to music, I always find myself off somewhere. Somewhere in space. You know, in mental space and it's a reference to that."   In 1995 their drummer, Aaron Conte, left the band and was replaced by Ira Elliot from the Fuzztones. The band met Richard Osasek (former “Cars” frontman and “Weezer” producer after a show and gave him a copy of their demo tape “Tafkans” A week later Ocasek called the band and said he wanted to produce the album and shortly after they signed a contract with Elektra Records - with their debut album (High/Low) being released in June 1996. 

   Since then, the band have released nine Albums, the most recent being “Moon Mirror” in 2024 - which has received incredible reviews from Rolling Stone, UnCut Magazine, MOJO and many more.   With a fanbase spanning the world, it is no Suprise to see the band touring with an almost non-stop schedule! They are currently undertaking an exhaustive tour of Europe before heading back to the USA in April for 13 dates across North America. Then in June it’s back to Europe! 

I was fortunate to see them perform here in Valencia as part of their 2025 tour and they did not disappoint! La Rambleta is a fitting venue for the band, and it was sold out weeks in advance.   Taking to the stage they launched straight into ¨Second Skin” - Caws gentle voice, the tight drum riffs of Elliot and the signature bass sound (and dangling cigarette!) of Lorca. The concert was non-stop with old and new songs performed to an adoring crowd. The room erupted when they covered “The Pixes - Where is my Mind?” Halfway through their set. 
 With a three-song encore starting with “Popular” and finishing with a dreamily accoustic version of “Blizzard of ´77” Nada Surf proved without a doubt that they really are kings of the “Nerd Rock” revival and even after 33 years, they can still deliver! Words & Photos: Rhyan Paul

It's been six years since Tangerine Dream were last in Valencia. On March 31st they returned to perform at La Rambleta. The packed auditorium was treated to a selection of hits from the 70´s, 80´s and 00´s - the band had decided to leave out the 90´s! The stage layout and visuals complimented the unique ambient sound of the group, who have been performing in various line ups for over 50 years. The current line up of Thorsten Quaeschning (who has lead the band since original member, Edgar Froese, passed out), Hoshiko Yamane and Paul Frick kicked off the concert with "Sorcerer Theme" they powered though an incredible setlist of classics. Stand out tracks included "Continuum", "Raum" and "Portico" After the encore the trio returned and played an incredible freestyle 30 minute set, tunes to the resonance of the building - it was nothing sh ort of incredible. Lets hope they do not leave in another six years before coming back!

Benidorm will once again become the capital of live music from July 25 to 27 with a very special edition of Low Festival. In 2025, the festival celebrates its 15th Anniversary with a proposal that transcends the musical and makes it an essential event. The connection between Low Festival and Vibra Mahou, the music platform of Mahou Cinco Estrellas, will continue to drive five-star experiences around the best live music, consolidating the festival as a reference of summer and Benidorm as an exclusive and unique destination. To the long-awaited visit of Pet Shop Boys, Empire of the Sun, Bomba Estéreo, Viva Suecia and Carolina Durante, 8 new confirmations are added today:Fangoria, Sexy Zebras, Niña Polaca, Varry Brava, Delaporte, Hofe, Oro Jondo and Marie Malarie, which promise to make this edition an unforgettable milestone. Fangoria, the iconic duo formed by Alaska and Nacho Canut, returns to Benidorm with their unmistakable fusion of electronic and pop, a combination that has marked several generations. With lyrics full of irony, hedonism and melancholy, his music continues to be the soundtrack of those who seek to escape on the dance floor. Each new album is an evolution of their style, maintaining their essence while experimenting with avant-garde sounds. His concerts, always dazzling, are an explosion of energy, lights and extravagance, reaffirming their status as undisputed references of Spanish music. Sexy Zebras, the Madrid band of wild rock and overwhelming attitude, once again demonstrates why they are one of the references of the most visceral rock in Spanish. With a live charged with adrenaline, distortion and pure dedication, its raw and uncompromising sound turns each concert into a real discharge of energy. Recently, they have shaken the scene with new singles such as 'Bravo', 'Pogo' and 'Marisol', songs that reflect their irreverent essence and their commitment to rock without filters. His music is a cry of rebellion, a blow of electricity that invites you to be out of control and to live each chord to the limit. Niña Polaca has established herself as one of the most vibrant bands of the current indie scene, fusing the energy of garage with the sensitivity of the most stark pop. With a fresh proposal and lyrics that capture the disenchantment and euphoria of a generation, the people of Madrid-Alicantos have been able to connect with an audience that finds in their music a reflection of their own stories. Its sound, raw and authentic, gives off an overwhelming intensity both in studio and live, where its overflowing energy turns each concert into a collective catharsis. Delaporte returns with "Déjate caer", his new album, where they take their unmistakable fusion of electronic and pop to new heights. With its characteristic vibrant and experimental sound, the Spanish-Italian duo continues to bet on creative freedom and emotional intensity in each song. "Let yourself fall" is an invitation to let go, to let yourself be carried away by the enveloping rhythms and lyrics that explore desire, transformation and connection with oneself. Live, Delaporte continues to shine with his overwhelming energy, turning each concert into an immersive experience where dance and emotion go hand in hand. Varry Brava returns to Low Festival with his unmistakable combination of hedonism, impudence and pure celebration. With a proposal that drinks from the most colorful eighties pop and the most vibrant dance, the band turns each live into a party without brakes. His new album, "Sharipop", promises to continue raising his legacy of catchy hits and unforgettable choruses, joining timeless hymns such as 'No Gires', 'Rafaella' or 'Playa'. His music is a song to fun, an invitation to let yourself go and dance without looking back. HOFE is the project of Igotz Mendez (Hofe) that, despite being consolidated recently, has been leaving a mark on the underground scene of Iruña for years. With a sound that navigates between electronics, post-punk and drum n' bass, they have been able to transform their energy into ambitious projects under the Oso Polita label. Their first mixtape, "Amodioa", marked the beginning of their joint career with songs like 'MzMz (Tek)' or '2 Esku 2 Laban' or 'Dinero Que Vuela ft. Ben Yart or Gremlin'. In Benidorm we can see its new limits and how they are consolidating as one of the most powerful bets of the Basque alternative scene. Oro Jondo is much more than a DJ: he is a cultural explorer who rescues and reinvents the sounds and aesthetics of the suburbs, taking them to new dimensions. Visual artist, expert in popular culture & trash and author of the book "Give me more gasoline", his work is a tribute to gas station music and the rhythms that marked a generation. His DJ sets are a frantic journey between techno, hard techno and hard acid, crossed by influences of trance, hard groove and the Latinx club scene. With one foot in the past and the other in the future, its sound drinks from the bakalao, the machine and the club culture of the east two-milero, offering dark, vibrant and absolutely addictive sessions. Marie Malarie (elle) is a DJ, producer-x and promoter-x with an unwavering passion for vinyl and club culture. From East London, he has built an impeccable reputation thanks to his meticulously selected sets, where he combines genres with elegance and fluidity. As a resident of some of the most iconic queer parties in the city, such as HOMODROP, Adonis and Dalston Superstore, he has become a key figure in the London underground scene. His sound proposal is a bold and hedonistic exploration, bringing to the dance floor a magnetic energy that challenges labels and celebrates diversity. With these new additions, Low Festival 2025 promises to be an unforgettable edition on its 15th Anniversary. Tickets available from: entradas.com and www.lowfestival.es/abonos/

Tom Odell, the global star and British singer-songwriter winner of multiple awards, has announced his new international tour Don't Let Me Go Tour that will pass through our country on June 11, 2025 in the Apolo room in Barcelona. As the singer prepares to release new music, he will offer this very special series of intimate concerts in the United States, Canada and Europe this spring and summer. In the artist's words: "I was planning to take a sabbatical year away from the stages, but I missed playing live too much. So here I am, back with these concerts, presenting new music for everyone in these special venues. ¨ ENTRADAS  Entradas a la venta: el viernes 11 de abril a las 10h en Livenation.es   y Ticketmaster   Precios:   desde 45€ (+ gastos de distribución)

When I heard that the Rumkicks from Korea would be touring Europe, after playing across the USA, I hoped they would be playing in Valencia. Not only did they play Valencia, but they also played at my favourite club, supported by my favourite local band and a band from Madrid I had been wanting to see.   The Rumkicks were booked to play at the mighty 16 Toneladas Club supported by the Deaf Devils and the Automatic Lovers - a three-way punk-off between Seoul, Madrid and Valencia. Camera bag packed and diary cleared for the following day I headed into town - slightly regretting Doc Martins, Jeans and my trusty old Sex Pistols T-shirt in the 97 degrees of Valencian sunshine that burnt into my aging (sometimes ailing) brain.   Backstage nerves were quashed and lubricated with copious amounts of ice-cold beer. Let’s face it, no great night out starts with a salad and mineral water!   First to take to the stage were the Automatic Lovers and they delivered a ‘77 punk inspired set, snarling through vocals and hard guitar riffs - beer was thrown, people dived off stage and the atmosphere was set for the following bands.   Next up The Rumkicks - the all-girl power pop punk band did not disappoint. The language barrier was not a problem - the crowd got involved and 16 Toneladas rocked hard.   Finally, Valencia’s finest- the Deaf Devils took to the stage. Semi- naked stage invaders, things getting set on fire, diving off drum kits and bars. Pure punk insanity at its finest. For their final song (Boom) the drum kit was taken into the crowd and they performed in the middle of the dance floor. The crowd go crazy, Lucyfer throws herself into the drum kit and alas, the gig is over.   The party continued backstage, but this is a PG rated publication so for legal reasons and to keep Interpol from knocking on my door, this review shall end here…     Rumkicks   Welcome to Valencia - 30 Shows, 9 Countries, Day 2 of the tour – how are you feeling? Feeling a little tired, jetlag and the time is all wrong! But as we get into the tour it will get better!   How would you describe the Rumkicks? Just a normal punk band from South Korea   Who are your biggest influences? Red Hot Chillie Peppers, Rancid and Pantera   If you could play with any band, who would it be? Rancid or Pantera   What’s next for Rumkicks when you get back to Korea? Singapore and Malaysia in September, October Japan tour, then who knows!   Do you have a message for your fans? We will get better! Follow us and buy merchandise!     Automatic Lovers   You guys are having a busy summer – what’s been the highlight so far? Espina Festival – it was fucking amazing   How is the tour with the Rumkicks and Deaf Devils going? Its only day 2 – but already crazy. Barcelona last night, was like the Beatles in Hamburg.  People in pig masks fighting with plant pots…..   It’s not your first time playing here at 16 Toneladas – do you like the venue? It’s the best venue in the country, best sound, best people, it’s so fucking cool. If you are a band you must play here.    I have heard a rumour that an EP might be coming. We are going to start recording after the summer, keep watching our social media for more.   If you could play one venue., where would it be? CBGBs – without a doubt   Pineapple on pizza – yes or no? No! fuck no! Never!   Have you got s message for the fans? Do what you want to do and make sure you do it and tell everyone else to fuck off!  We are here doing what we want and fuck off to all the haters, because we love you!follow your life and follow your dreams, keep your guitars safe and follow us on social media!   Deaf Devils   Been a while since we last spoke – how are things? Fucking awesome! We are touring, have an EP out, new merchandise and we are touring with the Rumkicks.  Things are crazy – it’s like we don’t feel the ceiling but we don’t want to touch it! We just want to keep going and the sky is the limit, whatever happens happens!   One month until you play Rebellion Festival - still excited? We still cannot believe it! It’s incredible to thingk we are going to be playing at Rebellion Festival in the UK. And before you ask – fucking no to pineapple on pizza!!   30 minutes to showtime – how are you feeling? Always nervous, always! But as soon as we get on stage, everything changes and we are ready and all the stress goes.  (Lucyfer) When I go on stage I have my alter ego – I am a fucking angry devil!   What’s next for the Deaf Devils? Who knows? If you told me last year we would tour Spain, UK, France, play at Rebellion - all these things, we would not have believed it.  We are just loving every moment and we do not want it to end!     Public Service Announcement: You are not a fan by sitting in your armchair and surfing music on YouTube and Spotify. Get off your ass, get out and support local bands. Buy merchandise, buy vinyl, buy gig tickets, go to gigs and give bands the respect they deserve.  You would not watch a McDonalds advert if you were hungry – so do the right thing and show your support!     Words and photos: Rhyan Paul Article originally published in Reckless Magazine: https://www.recklessmagazine.com/home/punksgotseoul

On Saturday 22th November 16 Toneladas held a benefit event to raise money for the damage caused by the recent weather disaster to the L'assaig de Massanassa rehearsal rooms.   The rehearsal space is used by many of Valencia’s local bands and the damage caused not only to the building, but the equipment as well, has left many bands without a space to rehease, practise and store equipment.   It was the first time many of us had been out since the distaster and emotions where running high – lots of sadness and everyone wanting to party the fuck out!Delivering the goods were two of our local favorites – The Ukelele Zombies and Golden Peluco. Neither band disapointed – high energy, alcohol fueled silliness all round with rusty dancing and the realisation many of us had the let side down and were not club fit anymore! However, practise makes perfect and its fair to say everyone who came gave it their best shot!   Viva Valencia!   Words and Photos: Rhyan Paul

There are some bands whose name immediately evokes thoughts of anarchy, hedonism and musical naughtiness. Dead Boys are one of those bands – a band who became infamous in 1977 for their antics at the legendary CBGB club and one who at the time was credited with being Americas most violent band.   When I heard that the current line up (complete with original guitarist Cheetah Chrome) was playing 16 Tonedalas, Valencia as part of their European tour – I knew a night out was necessary.   I arrived early to an already heaving venue, the air electric with anticipation. I hung out with Cheetah Chrome before the gig, who told me “I’m 70 years old now, touring fucking hurts man!”   However, when they burst onto the stage and launched into the punk classic “Sonic Reducer” - Cheetah played like a man half his age! The crowd went crazy and didn’t stop until the encores were finally done.   49 years deep into the game, Dead Boys show that punk is not dead (Although I certainly felt that way the following morning! Words & photos: Rhyan Paul

A photo gallery review from Cat Clubs recent gig at 16 Toneladas Club in Valencia. Photos: Rhyan Paul

Every February a quiet little town called Ayora, is taken over by the Gazpatxo rock Festival - a festival of epic punk proportions!   February is cold and damp for us here in Valencia (yeah, yeah - the mid 60´s is cold for us!) and It takes a lot for me to leave the house. When I saw that some of my favourite bands were playing at a punk festival just over an hours drive away - It was time to remove my ass from the sofa and head out.   I arrived early and the streets around the site were already buzzing with anticipation. I love small, day festivals - they are intense from start to finish and Gazpatxo did not disappoint!    Amazing performances from all the bands (Benito Kamelas, Fumiga, Kaos Urbano, Koma, Lendakaris Muertos, Porretas, Sons of Aguirre, The Locos and PresidentX) and a DJ performance by Plan B ensured the partying was non-stop from midday till 3am.   Punk festivals in Spain are different to the UK - it’s still as raw and often political, but it is also family friendly and there is an element of humor in many of the bands performances.   It would be hard to choose a favorite band from the festival, but if I had to choose it would be a close call between XPresidentX and Lendakaris Muertos. (Haven’t heard of them - you should really check them out!)   The event was fantastically organized, running like a well oiled machine from start to finish. The crowd gave it there all until 3am - and then the after party started!   3am is way past my bedtime and the sofa was missing me….     Words and photos: Rhyan Paul

The Automatic Lovers from Madrid, performed the Valencia leg of their tour at 16 Toneladas. Hedonistic, punk as fuck and raw to the core! Photos by: Rhyan Paul

On 17th October The Lightening Seeds played for the first time in Valenica. Sala Moon was at capacity with adoring fans, many of them British who had travelled in from Alicante, Sagunto and beyond. The concert was a emotional trip down memory lane, back to the heady days of late 80's and early 90's UK indie scene. Ian Broudie's voice is still as sublime as it was 40 years ago. The band played all of their classics including "Lucky You" and "Life Of Riley" (Broudie's son, who plays rhythm guitair in the band is named after the song. Or is it the other way around?) Finishing on the anthem "Three Lions" Broudie and the band whipped the crowd into a chanting frenzy! We hope they will return soon. Words and photos: Rhyan Paul

On Friday 28th and Saturday 29th June – BIGSOUND Festival returned to ‘La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències’ here in Valencia.    Without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful venues for music events in Valencia and the perfect location for a family feelgood festival weekender.     The event was sold out over both days and 22,000 partygoers were treated to musical performances from top Spanish pop artists across two stages and partied on into the early hours.   Those that were not lucky enough to get tickets partied on the bridge that overlooks the venue and created their own mini-festival. The atmosphere both inside and outside of the La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències was one of pure musical joy.   Fridays highlights included performances from Enol, Henry Mendez, Cali Y El Dandee, Aitana and Juan Magan on the Turia stage, with Love Yi, Pimp Flaco, Orslok,Sen Senra and Steve Lean rocking the BIGSOUND stage. There was also surprise guest appearances from King Africa and Chema Rivas.     Saturday continued with performances from Jose De Rico, The Tyets, Alvaro De Luna, Maria Escarmiento, Ana Mena, Recycled J, Quevedo, Kabasaki and Myke Towers.   Now these names propbably mean nothing to you (they didn’t to me!) but trust me, they are huge!   Now, I’m not gonna lie – Pop music and me go together like oil and water. However, I must secretly confess my usual cynical, miserable punkist demeanour faded somewhat and I found my mouth doing a weird thing (smiling I think it is called?), my feet tapped in time with music and I had a funny turn and felt happy – thankfully by the day after the festival had finished I was back to my normal self.     If you are suffering from the summertime blues, I strongly recommend finding a happy pop festival in your area, go along and immerse in the happiness! (Or even better, get a flight and come visit us here in Valencia!) 
     BIGSOUND Festival: https://bigsoundfestival.com   Words and Photos: Rhyan Paul