Dover (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 in Madrid, Spain |
| Founder | Cristina Llanos, Amparo Llanos |
| Headquarters | Madrid , Spain |
| Products | Music albums |
Number of employees | 4 (at disbandment) |
Dover was a rock ensemble from Spain, established in Madrid in 1992. The band featured sisters and frontwomen Cristina Llanos (vocals) and Amparo Llanos (lead guitar), alongside drummer Jesús Antúnez and bassist Samuel Titos. Over their career, they produced eight studio albums and sold approximately two million copies worldwide. Their sophomore release, Devil Came to Me, propelled them to international prominence. In 2006, with their sixth album Follow the City Lights, they transitioned stylistically from alternative rock to electropop, a move that generated considerable debate. Recognition for their work included accolades such as the Revelation Group award at the 1997 Premios Ondas and Best Spanish Artist at the 2000 MTV Europe Music Awards. The group disbanded in 2016 after Amparo Llanos embarked on a new musical endeavor without Cristina.
Origins and Sister
Dover originated in the early 1990s in Boadilla del Monte, near Madrid, when 17-year-old Cristina Llanos, influenced by the Seattle alternative rock movement, initiated a band. The name “Dover” was inspired by a clothing store owned by her mother in Majadahonda. Shortly thereafter, her elder sister Amparo, who was ten years her senior, joined the lineup. By 1994, drummer Jesús Antúnez and bassist Álvaro Gómez had completed the group. A demo tape caught the attention of the radio program Disco Grande on RNE Radio 3, which led to a one-year recording contract with indie label Everlasting-Caroline. Their debut album, Sister (1995), received critical acclaim including a Top 10 ranking from the Spanish fanzine Mondo Sonoro. Although sales were limited, it firmly established their presence within Madrid’s music scene. Additionally, they produced their first music video for "Come With Me," directed by Juan Bullón; despite not being released as an official single, it became a concert favorite among fans.
Breakthrough with Devil Came to Me
After completing their one-year deal with Everlasting-Caroline, Dover signed with independent label Subterfuge Records. Their initial release under this label was a demo of "Loli Jackson," featured on the compilation album Stereoparty 2. This exposure prompted Subterfuge to back their second album, Devil Came to Me, recorded at Infinity Studios in Madrid during 1997 on a modest budget of 80,000 pesetas over a span of 20 days. Released on 21 April 1997, the album achieved nationwide acclaim after a chorus segment was used in a television commercial for Radical Fruit Company. During its promotion, bassist Álvaro Gómez was succeeded by Álvaro Díez. The record sold more than half a million copies and broadened their audience across Europe and the United States. The lead single "Serenade" reached number one in Spain, marking their first chart-topping hit. Juan Bullón directed its music video, while "Loli Jackson" was featured in Daniel Calparsoro’s 1997 film Blinded.
Late at Night, I Was Dead for 7 Weeks in the City of Angels, and The Flame
Following disagreements with Subterfuge Records, Dover signed with EMI’s Chrysalis Records and established their own imprint, Loli Jackson Records, through which they signed various indie artists. Their third studio album, Late at Night, produced by Barrett Jones in Seattle, was released on 28 June 1999. It met elevated expectations fueled by the single "DJ," which topped Spanish charts—an uncommon achievement for a rock band at the time. This success enabled them to embark on their inaugural international tour covering Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Mexico, and the United States. By February 2000, the album had achieved triple platinum status with sales reaching 300,000 copies in Spain.
In 2000, Dover received MTV Europe’s Best Spanish Artist award. Chrysalis re-released their debut album Sister in 2001 including an unreleased cover track. That May, they recorded I Was Dead for 7 Weeks in the City of Angels at Grandmasters Studios with Barrett Jones producing once again. Released on 17 September 2001, its lead single "King George" preceded rapid sales of 125,000 copies within ten days.
In 2003, due to industry difficulties leading to their label’s closure, Dover fully signed with EMI Music. Their fifth studio effort, The Flame, co-produced by Rick Will and recorded entirely in Spain, debuted on 27 October but experienced disappointing sales under 60,000 copies. In May 2005, bassist Álvaro Díez departed and was replaced by Samuel Titos from Sperm. Later that year, Dover became pioneers as the first band to support NGO Oxfam.
Pop transformation: Follow the City Lights
October 2006 saw the release of Follow the City Lights by Dover, produced by Daniel Alcover, which represented a significant move towards electronic music styles. The album's lead track, "Let Me Out," earned the Premio Ondas for Best Song and dominated the Spanish Los 40 Principales charts for a month, also securing the top spot on the Spanish iTunes Music Store. Additional singles such as "Do Ya," featured in the football game FIFA 08, and "Keep On Moving" were accompanied by music videos to promote them.
In November 2007, Dover unveiled their initial double-disc compilation, 2, combining greatest hits with a fresh song titled "Soldier." That same year, they toured alongside La Oreja de Van Gogh. Towards the end of 2008, they embarked on a European tour to support 2, and in 2009 signed with Sony-BMG. Plans for a seventh studio album were announced for 2010.
African influences: I Ka Kené
"Dannayá," the first single from I Ka Kené, was released on 31 July 2010, featuring lyrics in Bambara and English inspired by a Malian immigrant's story. The album, which came out on 4 October 2010, highlighted Dover’s multilingual style, incorporating songs in French, Bambara, and English.
2012: What Goes Around Comes Around
At the start of 2012, Dover revealed an upcoming single that included an unreleased track mixed by Veronica Ferraro and a rendition of INXS’s 1987 hit "Need You Tonight", mixed by Jesús Antúnez. On 8 March 2012, they premiered "What Goes Around Comes Around" online.
Dover took part in the Trina campaign "Al natural," delivering acoustic performances of "Loli Jackson," "King George," and "Junnete." They also held their first online live session during a Givenchy perfume launch event, performing several songs including a new arrangement of "DJ."
The digital launch of "What Goes Around Comes Around" was postponed until late June 2012, accompanied by minimal promotion including a single television spot on "El Número Uno." The track remained on the Los 40 Principales charts for five weeks. Their 2012 tour revisited classic hits such as "Devil Came to Me," "King George," and "Serenade," complemented by an acoustic version of "Loli Jackson."
2013 - 2016: Rock revival: Dover Came to Me tour, Complications and disbandment
In 2014, Dover celebrated two decades as a band with a commemorative tour and reissued their Devil Came to Me album, also marking its fifteenth anniversary. The tour kicked off on 8 March at Madrid’s Sala Sol, with tickets selling out more than three months ahead. They performed extensively across Spain, frequently selling out venues. The re-release, titled Dover Came to Me, was available in various editions including a Deluxe package featuring a remastered CD with bonus tracks, a live CD, and a DVD containing concert footage and interviews.
After performing over thirty-five shows in 2013, the band wrapped up the tour at La Riviera on 10 January 2014. Their appearances that year were limited but included Subterfuge's Music Day where they introduced the new track "Crash." Updates via social media hinted at work on a new album that would mark a return to their rock roots.
In September, they debuted "Too Late" in La Rioja. By December, they announced their eighth studio album, Complications, which was released on 9 February. Produced by drummer Jesús Antúnez and recorded in Madrid, this album signified a comeback to the melodic rock sound that defined their early career.
In November 2016, Amparo Llanos revealed on Radio 3 that Dover was disbanding. Following this, Amparo and bassist Samuel Titos formed a new group called New Day, while drummer Jesús Antúnez embarked on a career as a DJ.
Band influences
Despite their Spanish origin, Dover primarily performed songs in English, with the Llanos sisters responsible for the songwriting—Amparo crafting the music and Cristina penning the lyrics—drawing heavily from English-speaking rock groups.
The sisters have acknowledged The Beatles and grunge pioneers like Nirvana as significant inspirations. This influence is apparent in lyrical nods to Paul McCartney found in tracks such as "King George" and "27 Years," along with "Dear McCartney" from the album Follow the City Lights. That particular record also reveals stylistic elements inspired by artists including Madonna and Peaches. Furthermore, their song "The Weak Hour of the Rooster" incorporates a line from Kurt Cobain’s suicide letter: "It's better to burn out than to fade away."
For the album I Ka Kené, musical and lyrical inspiration was drawn from African musicians like Boubacar Traore and Oliver Mtukudzi, featuring lyrics in both Bambara and French.
When discussing Complications, Cristina highlighted influences from bands such as The Cars and artist Joan Jett.
Band members
Lineup at disbandment
- Cristina Llanos – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1992–2016)
- Amparo Llanos – lead guitar, backing vocals (1992–2016)
- Jesús Antúnez – drums, percussion (1992–2016)
- Samuel Titos – bass (2005–2016)
Previous members
- Álvaro Díez – bass (1992–1995, 1997–2005)
- Álvaro Gómez – bass (1995–1997)
Timeline
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Discography
- Studio albums
- Sister (1995)
- Devil Came to Me (1997)
- Late at Night (1999)
- I Was Dead for 7 Weeks in the City of Angels (2001)
- The Flame (2003)
- Follow the City Lights (2006)
- I Ka Kené (2010)
- Complications (2015)
- EPs
- It's Good to Be Me! (2002)
- Compilation albums
- Oh! Mother Russia (2005)
- 2 (2007)
- Remix albums
- I Ka Kené: The Remixes (2011)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Premios Ondas | Best Spanish Revealing Group | Template:Won |
| Premios de la Música | Best Rock Author | Template:Won | |
| 2000 | MTV Europe Awards | Best Spanish Act for "Late at Night" | Template:Won |
| 2001 | Premios Amigo | Best National Song for "King George" | Template:Won |
| 2006 | Premios Ondas | Best Song for "Let Me Out" | Template:Won |
| Premios 40 Principales | Best National Group | Template:Nom | |
| Best Music Video for "Let Me Out" | Template:Nom | ||
| 2007 | Premios de la Música | Best Song for "Let Me Out" | Template:Nom |
| Best Album for Follow the City Lights | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Artistic Producer awarded to Daniel Alcover (Follow the City Lights) | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Sound Technician awarded to Daniel Alcover (Follow the City Lights) | Template:Won | ||
| Best Music Video for "Let Me Out" | Template:Won | ||
| Best Alternative Pop Album for Follow the City Lights | Template:Won | ||
| EP3 | Album of the Year for Follow the City Lights | Template:Won | |
| Premios 40 Principales | Best National Group | Template:Nom | |
| Best Music Video for "Keep On Moving" | Template:Nom | ||
| Premios Glamour | Music Top Glamour | Template:Won | |
| 2010 | Premios 40 Principales | Best National Group | Template:Won |
External links
- Official website (in Spanish) (archived)
- Haus of Dover
- Dover on Twitter
- Dover on Facebook
- Dover on Myspace