Derribos Arias
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 in Madrid, Spain |
| Founder | Poch (Ignacio Gasca) |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Madrid , Spain |
| Products | Post-punk, punk, psychedelic rock music |
Derribos Arias was a Spanish post-punk ensemble that played a significant role during the 1980s and emerged as a prominent contributor to the Movida Madrileña cultural wave. Established in Madrid in 1981 by the enigmatic Poch (Ignacio Gasca), the band merged elements of post-punk, punk, and psychedelic rock, infused with absurdist wit and avant-garde sound experimentation.
History
The origins of Derribos Arias trace back to Poch, a former medical student from San Sebastián recognized for his surreal stage presence. Prior to founding the group, he was involved in projects such as Ejecutivos Agresivos, who achieved modest success with "Mari Pili," and La Banda Sin Futuro, whose unreleased tracks later attained cult recognition.
The original formation consisted of Poch (vocals, guitar), Alejo Alberdi (guitar, keyboards, programming), Juan Verdera (bass), and Manuel "Paul" Moreno (drums). They rapidly established themselves as one of the most experimental outfits within the early 1980s Spanish underground scene, closely associated with the hornadas irritantes movement.
Their first release, the EP Branquias bajo el agua (1982) on Grabaciones Accidentales (GASA), highlighted their surrealistic lyricism, mechanical beats, and a minimalist approach reminiscent of bands like Joy Division or Pere Ubu.
Following singles such as A-Flúor (1982) and Aprenda alemán en 7 días (1983) led up to their only full-length album, En la guía, en el listín (1983). Although unconventional in style, it garnered favorable reviews within alternative music circles and solidified their cult following.
Their final record, Disco Pocho (1984), received less enthusiastic critical attention. Shortly thereafter, the band disbanded due to Poch’s diagnosis with Huntington's disease, which progressively deteriorated his health until his passing in 1998.
In 1991, a tribute compilation titled El chico más pálido de la playa de Gros was released, featuring covers by notable acts including Siniestro Total, Gabinete Caligari, Negu Gorriak, and Fangoria. The album’s proceeds were dedicated to supporting Poch throughout his illness.
Musical style
Derribos Arias fused post-punk musical elements with absurd humor, satirical content, and dadaist visual aesthetics. Their live shows were theatrical and unpredictable, often incorporating costumes, props, and spontaneous interruptions. Critics frequently likened them more to international acts like The Residents or Devo than to their Spanish peers. Poch’s unique vocal delivery—characterized by off-key singing, irony, and distortion—became a defining aspect of their unorthodox sound.
Members
- Poch (Ignacio Gasca) – vocals, guitar
- Alejo Alberdi – guitar, keyboards, programming
- Juan Verdera – bass
- Manuel "Paul" Moreno – drums
Additional members:
- Deme Gómez – bass
- Ñete – drums
- Flete – guitar
- Rafa Balmaseda – bass
Studio albums
- En la guía, en el listín (1983, GASA)
EPs and singles
- Branquias bajo el agua (EP, 1982)
- A-Flúor (Single & Maxi-Single, 1982)
- Aprenda alemán en 7 días (1983)
- Disco Pocho (Maxi-Single and Single, 1984)
Compilations
- CD (1996, GASA)
- La centralita de información (2001, DRO)
Tribute album
- El chico más pálido de la playa de Gros (1991)
Legacy
Although their period of activity was short-lived, Derribos Arias emerged as a cult phenomenon within Spain's underground music scene. Their avant-garde approach and satirical tone left a lasting mark on artists who embraced absurdism and experimental elements in pop music. Ongoing retrospectives emphasize their significant role in shaping the post-Franco countercultural movement.