Tag: Somos El Viento

SOMOS EL VIENTO: Treading Waters of “Mar Negro”

On By NickIn progressive rockLeave a comment

Spanish post-rock one-man project Somos El Viento is gearing up for the release of their new album Mar Negro on October 25th. Filled to the brim with immersive instrumental landscapes, the album promises to deliver a deeply personal and introspective exploration. In this interview, Somos El Viento shares his thoughts on the making of Mar Negro, the challenges faced during the creative process, his influences, and his take on the ever-evolving post-rock scene.

You are scheduled to release an album with your project Somos El Viento entitled Mar Negro on October 25th. How do you feel about the release?

I’m excited but also calm. It’s been a long journey to get to this point, and it feels like a personal milestone. Mar Negrois an album that was created over time, through reflection, and sometimes challenging moments. Now that it’s ready, I feel at peace knowing that it’s out there for others to experience.

Mar Negro by Somos el Viento

How much of a challenge was it to work on the album?

It was a significant challenge, not only from a musical standpoint but also emotionally. There were moments of doubt, but ultimately, those were the moments that shaped the album. One of the main sources of inspiration throughout the process was my two children. The birth of my second child was a key moment, adding a new layer of perspective and creativity, but balancing that with the demands of creating music was sometimes difficult. These personal experiences added depth to the music and gave me a new emotional lens through which to view the project.

Speaking of challenges, have you set any in the early phase of what has become the final result?

Yes, early on, I wanted to create an album that felt immersive and cinematic. I set the challenge for myself to express landscapes and emotions without relying on lyrics. This pushed me to explore different textures and moods within instrumental music. I wanted to create something that would resonate with the listener emotionally without being overtly narrative.

Tell me about the different instrumental aspects that you explore on these new songs.

The instrumental side of Mar Negro is very layered. I use guitars as the main driving force, but there are also synthesizers, ambient soundscapes, and subtle percussion elements. There’s a lot of experimentation with reverb, delay, and dynamics to create a feeling of space and depth. I was very conscious of creating tracks that evolve and breathe, mirroring the movements of the ocean, which was a key inspiration.

What is your opinion about the post-rock scene today?

The post-rock scene continues to evolve. There are bands pushing boundaries, but the genre is also welcoming a broader range of influences. What excites me most is seeing how the lines between post-rock and other genres are increasingly blurred. It feels like the community of listeners and musicians is more open to experimentation than ever before, which aligns perfectly with the kind of music I want to create.

Let me know about your influences — the artists that, in a way, shaped and continue to shape your music.

For Mar Negro, some of my main influences have been bands like Alcest, God Is An Astronaut, and Long Distance Calling. Their ability to create vast, atmospheric soundscapes with a balance of emotional intensity has deeply inspired me. These bands have a way of conveying powerful emotions through instrumental storytelling, something I strive for in my music. Their approach to blending genres and creating immersive experiences has left a lasting impact on me.

What are your top 5 records of all time?

This is always a tough question because it can change over time, but if I had to choose right now:

  1. The Fragile – Nine Inch Nails
  2. Ænima – Tool
  3. Ghost Reveries – Opeth
  4. Fear of a Blank Planet – Porcupine Tree
  5. Lullabies to Paralyze – Queens of the Stone Age

Besides the release of Mar Negro, are there any other plans for the future?

Right now, I’m focusing on the release of Mar Negro. I’ve thought about bringing these songs to a live setting, but that’s still far off. It’s more of a consideration than a plan at this point. For now, I want to see how the album resonates with listeners before thinking about the next steps.

Pre-order Mar Negro from Bandcamp, and follow Somos El Viento on Instagram.

Album Review: Somos el Viento – Mar Negro

On By NickIn progressive rockLeave a comment

Somos el Viento is a relatively new project coming Spain, set to release its debut album titled Mar Negro on October 25th, 2024.

As is the case with most instrumental albums, Mar Negro requires careful listening in order to be fully appreciated. It is definitely not the kind of stuff you can put on as a soundtrack for other activities – complex music, full of twists and turns, yet not unnecessarily complicated, or weird for weirdness’ sake. In fact, the music has a beautiful, natural flow, a clarity and melodic quality. Even though guitars make up a prominent part of the sound, they never get to the point of overwhelming the other instruments. As in most experimental music, however, the foundation of  Somos el Viento’s sound lies in the rhythm section.

Head-spinningly complex without being cold and sterile as other efforts in a similar vein, Mar Negro can easily be listed as one of the top releases of the year. In fact, the sterling musicianship, coupled with an admirable sense of restraint, focuses on creating cohesive, highly listenable tracks rather than pointless displays of technical skill. However,  it is also an album that will definitely not be everyone’s cup of tea. It may come across as daunting to those fans who prefer a higher measure of melody and accessibility, as well as a more conservative approach to post/progressive rock.

Mar Negro by Somos el Viento

Pre-order Mar Negro from Bandcamp. Follow Somos el Viento on Instagram.