post-traumatic
There was a moment when the idea of Taburete being serious seemed laughable, yet the Madrid duo has grown into its fifth album, filling spaces left by past prejudices. Antón Carreño, the guitarist and singer, explains that the band’s music keeps climbing in popularity and that their shows are places where fans simply have a good time. The new release, Matadero 5, arrived digitally in November and is now pressed into physical form through a quirky distribution route, spanning 60 butcher shops, delis, and poultry markets across Spain to champion local commerce. The cover features the band members wrapped in plastic, a playful jab at the packaging of a music product and a nod to ordinary consumer goods. The whole package comes off as a sly critique of the industry while staying firmly rooted in their distinctive style.
post-traumatic
The album’s title carries a clear message, nodding to Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five and its meditation on time moving from past to future. Willy Bárcenas sees a parallel with their own career, noting how critics once clung to the past and hindered their present. The band emphasizes their nine years of experience and their reluctance to dwell on lineage. The members’ backgrounds have long been the subject of fascination, with references to public figures in their family histories. They’ve learned that music can be a lifeline when other doors seem closed. Willy shares a memory of starting from scratch, without a bank account or other support, and watching opportunity unfold when music finally opened doors.
Does that history pull them toward political fault lines? The vocalist says politics is increasingly frustrating and that no party speaks for him. He also observes the polarized climate on social media, criticizing the way adults engage with online discourse. The band’s stance is simply that music should stand apart from constant political posturing, allowing fans to enjoy the moment rather than dissect every note through a partisan lens.
create sadness
The Stool’s sound spans a blend of styles, from folk-inflected pop to moments that feel lighter and more brisk, while still retaining a sense of emotional depth in a number of tracks. The group defends the idea that their pop repertoire remains open to influences from various Latin genres, and they insist that there is a recognizable Taburete fingerprint in the twists and choruses. This identity is reinforced in their live shows, where the mix of influences feels both natural and deliberate.
Matadero 5 features notable collaborations that push the band’s sound into new territory. A guest appearance weaves between ranchera and cante jondo, with a vocal performance that resonates with a legendary temperament. Another collaboration threads flamenco motifs with contemporary pop energy, creating moments where different voices intersect and carry the momentum. The interplay of guests helps the band weather difficult moments and reinforces their resilience.
Looking ahead, Taburete is gearing up for a tour that will reach Mexico and several Latin American countries in the autumn. The band members express confidence that their work has moved beyond a passing trend to establish a lasting presence on the scene. They invite skeptics to listen closely and recognize the strength of their ongoing collaboration, the momentum of their live performances, and the way their music speaks to a broad audience.