Low Blows: “We’re seeing more and more people discovering us, and that gives us the energy to keep going”
📍 Date: January 19, 2025
📍 Venue: Manchester Bar, Barcelona
On January 19, taking advantage of their concert at Manchester Bar, I met with Low Blows to talk about their story, their sound, and their future plans. The band, formed by Andrés, Rubén, and Carlos, has been steadily consolidating its place in the post-punk and darkwave scene, blending the melancholy of The Cure with an electronic edge.
With a few beers on the table, the conversation flowed naturally, reflecting the chemistry and commitment of a band that continues to grow. We talked about their beginnings, their festival experiences, and what lies ahead in 2025. This is what they told us.
ORIGINS AND SOUND
For those who may not know you yet, how did Low Blows start, and how would you define your sound?
Carlos: The band was born when I moved to Ibiza. I realized I needed to make music again, so I started composing. At some point I thought, “I want to play this live,” so I began looking for musicians. I found Rubén through a website called Solo Músicos, and through other friends we completed the lineup.
At one point we had a keyboard player, but over time the formation settled as a trio with Rubén, Andrés, and me.
Carlos: In terms of references, we’ve always said we’re like The Cure, but with more electronics. We try to reinterpret classic post-punk and modernize it with synthesizers and sequences.
Rubén: Yes, The Cure is a starting point, but we always aim to have our own identity. Each of us brings something personal to the stage, and that’s what we think makes the difference.
FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
You recently played at OMBRA. How was that experience?
Andrés: It was incredible. It wasn’t something we had planned. It came about almost unexpectedly, but when we were told we were part of the 2024 lineup, it was a huge boost.
Carlos: Yes, it was a surprise. We weren’t actively pursuing it, but when it came, it was an opportunity we couldn’t miss. For us, it felt like a dream come true, especially because the festival’s atmosphere fit perfectly with the band’s vibe.
Rubén: We enjoyed it immensely. It was one of those experiences that stay with you and confirm that you’re on the right path.
CREATIVE PROCESS
How do you work on your songs? Is it more individual or collective?
Carlos: Usually, I start at home with a drum beat. Depending on my mood, I choose a faster or slower BPM, and from there I build the bass and other elements. The vocals usually come at the end. Something key for us is that we absorb a lot of pop culture, books, and cinema. All of that influences the songs, and the lyrics reflect our existential side. We like to talk about life, about why things happen, about emotions.
PLANS FOR 2025
What’s next for Low Blows?
Rubén: Today we’re kicking off the year playing here at Manchester Bar, and from here the idea is to hit the road. Next up is a concert in Santiago de Compostela with Nocturna.
Carlos: We also want to play more outside Barcelona. We’d like to perform more in Madrid and move around different cities. And most importantly, we’re preparing our second album, which will be released through the Polish label Bat-Cave Productions.
Andrés: If everything goes well, that could lead us to play at the Bat-Cave Festival in Poland.
Carlos: Yes, and in between, whatever comes up. Right now, our main focus is playing more festivals and reaching more people.
REHEARSALS AND BAND DYNAMICS
How do you organize rehearsals considering you live in different cities?
Andrés: We rehearse individually. Each of us works on our parts at home with the tracks, or in a rehearsal space in Rubén’s case, since he plays drums.
Rubén: When we have a show, we get together the day before for a full rehearsal. It’s curious, but it works for us. We don’t stress with weekly rehearsals, and when we step on stage, everything falls into place.
A MESSAGE FOR THE FANS
Your shows are attracting more people. What would you say to those who follow you?
Carlos: We’re extremely grateful. It’s exciting to see more new faces at concerts, people who discovered us through social media and then come to see us live.
Rubén: Yes, that’s a huge energy boost to keep going. When we play, we always thank them, because they’re the ones who give meaning to all this.
Andrés: Exactly. If no one showed up to the concerts, none of this would make sense. So we hope to see you at the next shows.
Low Blows is clearly expanding, with a 2025 full of plans and a second album on the way. If you haven’t listened to them yet, now is the time. And if you get the chance to see them live, don’t miss it.
