Killer Swing, the duo at the forefront of Spain’s alternative scene for more than twenty years, is drawing its curtain. The Pamplona band bids farewell with a tour called Low Pain Tour and a reflective album pairing their greatest hits with new versions of classic tracks: Perlas featuring Pucho from Vetusta Morla, Diamantes with Santi Balmes, Babel with Fermín Muguruza, and In Back of the Sea with Amaral. The idea had been floated since recording Ataque Celeste in 2020, released just before the pandemic, and the fatigue the group felt already intensified as events unfolded.
Across six albums, El Columpio Asesino has fused punk rock with a strong electronic presence, punchy lyrics, and a playful irreverence. Their sound has crossed borders, gaining a devoted following beyond Spain, including a solid fan base in Mexico where they have performed many shows. They will play here one final time this Saturday, leaving the stage covered in sweat and driven by passion until dawn, as Cristina Martinez recalls.
How is the tour going?
It feels incredibly intense and thrilling.
Was it the right moment to quit?
Yes, it feels like the right time to say goodbye.
There were reports that this idea had circulated since Ataque Celeste. What pushed you to make the decision now?
Years of touring and recording had worn them down. A yearlong pause came at a terrible moment. When Ataque Celeste was released, it reached only a limited audience, and the pandemic then struck. That combination drained their energy and accelerated the choice.
But you were at a peak moment.
Absolutely, no doubt about it.
The tour is called Bitter Baja. Is saying goodbye painful?
It is bittersweet. The decision is thoughtful and mutual, yet there is uncertainty about what comes next. Twenty years of physical and spiritual commitment to this project create a substantial gap. Still, the band makes it clear this is the end of an era.
Do you ever feel out of place or anxious about the direction of the industry?
Not really, though the landscape has shifted a lot since the beginning.
Do you miss anything? What could be achieved today with a stronger voice?
Music often mirrors the times it lives in. Personal sentiment aside, listeners should draw their own conclusions.
Six albums, a handful of anthems, countless concerts, some prizes… any regrets? Are you happy with what El Columpio Asesino accomplished?
Content with many things. They fulfilled their goals by staying true to themselves, demanding the best, and not losing sight of who they are. Experimentalism has always been a cornerstone, and the band’s motto has been to surprise themselves to surprise the audience.
Could Toro ever become a staple on the plate?
Toro has given them a lot; gratitude is the only reasonable response. It opened many doors for the group.
What memory remains vivid after years on the road?
The road itself stands out—the thousands of kilometers traveled together by friends bound by a shared love of music. A powerful, enduring memory.
During the Amarga Baja tour, a vinyl featuring their version of songs was sold, and a collaboration with other artists has recently appeared on a new release.
It was a gift, a whim to revisit material with fresh sounds, embracing collaborations with musicians met over the years.
Do you have mixed feelings about saying goodbye? Will leaving the stage be difficult?
It will feel strange not planning the next tour. They are living every moment intensely, here and now.
Is the group’s lineup stable or is a solo path possible?
Releasing singles from time to time provides complete recording freedom, which keeps options open.
Are there more fans waiting for what comes next?
Many listeners remain engaged for various reasons. The process of forming the band has always been lengthy, so there are songs that may still surface and perhaps become hits.
Have the band’s goals been reached?
Yes, they reached more than they imagined.
What will El Columpio Asesino leave as a legacy?
The band believes its legacy is honest and robust, something they are proud to have built.