Like the tumultuous waters of the Nervión River, those attending the Nerve Punk Fest flowed in a singular meeting, baptized by the organization as “a free demonstration in Euskal Herria to reclaim the punk spirit.” The event, which took place in the 2nd pavilion of the Bilbao Exhibition Center (BEC) last Friday, April 12, was experienced with intensity and dedication.
Despite the trail of emotions and fatigue that the barge left as it passed through the province the previous day, the devotees of punk and rebellious music from the Basque Country arrived, one by one, eager to immerse themselves in the amalgamation of sound that offered the poster: Pinpilinpussies, Ezpalak, Distortion, Biznaga, La Élite y Not a slave.
The rebellious essence and systemic dissidence permeated both among the spectators and in the stage performance of the artists. Furthermore, this meeting transcended borders, evidenced by the statements in English that resonated with some attendees. The generational gap between the groups present nourished the diversity of ages in the audience, from La Élite or Biznaga, embodying youth, to Distorsión, with more than four decades of experience on stage. Non Servium, in turn, acted as a bridge between new generations, although impregnated with ancient influences both musically and in their posture, forged in the foundations of this rebellious and counter-systemic movement.
The first to inaugurate the festival were the Pinpilinpussies. There was a strong musical connection between the two and they transmitted their energy to the newcomers. After their last pieces “Erre” and “47 seconds” several “beste bat” (“another”) were chanted: a sign of their success with those present.
The Basque-speaking group Blades He seduced the audience with his entire repertoire in Basque and with direct influences from British rock. The Biscayan public sang their usually explosive songs characterized by noisy guitars with a sound close to garage and noise, with powerful riffs and punky branches.
The members of DistortionThis time, they were playing at home and this was demonstrated by the group’s drummer, Félix Torralba (Ganso), who was wearing the red and white Athletic Club shirt. The Biscayan punk-rock trio is one of the historical names of this musical style on the left bank since the 80s. In their event they alternated classics with recent songs from their latest albums.
Under the frenetic rhythm of its chords, Biznaga, the emblematic Madrid band of Malaga descent, once again displayed their characteristic punk rock, direct and without concessions. Through its lyrics full of criticism and rebellion, the group not only establishes itself as a musical exponent, but also as the voice of a generation that cries out for justice and social renewal.
With overwhelming energy, the Catalan band The Elite conquered the stage, flooding the space with their vibrant electronic punk. Her thuggish and catchy songs found an echo among the public, who, to the rhythm of the mocking demand, gave themselves over to dancing and debauchery in an electrifying performance.
Not a slave (header photo), the iconic street punk and oi! band, demonstrated once again its undeniable connection with the Basque people. The band performed an imposing jump, comparable to the iconic 222-meter Nervión jump, offering an epic experience within the framework of the festival. The mix of adrenaline and euphoria that emanated from their rogue music enveloped the attendees, giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves in demand and disobedience.