The tide has started to roll — celebrate its 25th anniversary in music as Unbridled 2023 takes the stage. Auditorio Marina Sur de València will host one of the 24 tour stops, with a performance on May 20 where the group unveils the new album Los potros del timempo. The band, already honored with a gold record and Spain’s Odeón Award for best album in 2023, marks a quarter-century of music. The vocalist and composer Kutxi Romero offers reflections on the band’s enduring journey and its life together.
How was this album born?
Like all Marea records, it began in a moment when the five members enjoyed solid personal and collective balance. Their strength lies in gathering to craft songs when conditions align. Then they save those songs and embark on a tour. It’s straightforward. There’s no grand scheme of divine inspiration. They didn’t plan to release it so soon, but the pandemic left them with time and a sense the album was ready. The tour happened after a pause, not before.
Does the band prefer live performances or studio work?
The core fascination is the act of writing songs. There’s something special about preserving them. It’s not thrilling to expose the newborn to the world, yet the family deserves a showcase of the work. In the end, the songs find their moment on stage and in recording, but the priority remains the creation itself.
Critics describe the album as less dark…
The band doesn’t see their records as overly dark. The cover may carry a different mood, but the music mirrors living in the present. It’s an album about time’s passage, its consequences, and the inevitable end, presented as a reflection rather than a sermon.
In the end, death is scary.
Death isn’t funny, but a bit of humor helps. It’s better to laugh at it now, when there’s room to smile.
On December 24, 1997, the five members first met in the rehearsal rooms near Pamplona. Did they imagine what the next 25 years would bring?
No one foresaw such a long road. Bands start with a passion to write songs, and that magic keeps happening. They became professionals by recognizing that their purpose was creation, not quick fame. Today more people listen, but the core remains the same: craft beautiful songs with dedication.
Any more pressure?
Pressure hasn’t intensified. The melodies from 25 years ago feel similar to today’s, as do the lyrics. When they record, listeners already know what to expect. They aimed to push the boundaries but ended up reaffirming their established sound. The daily work continues, and each day feels better than the last.
What explains the band’s enduring success and ability to fill venues across the states?
Rock and roll is about honesty — a stripped-down truth. The songs are simple, yet they carry weight. The audience grows with time, with fans aging alongside the music, while new listeners join in every tour. The band hopes to invite every generation to experience the music live, and the underlying appeal remains the same: authenticity in every note.
More than a group of friends?
They spend more time together than with many families. There’s no convenient formality; there would be no band without the willingness to tolerate and endure differences. The bond is built on commitment and shared purpose.
As with any friendship, will there be conflicts?
There have never been real fights. Differences of opinion arise, yet respect never breaks. The friendship holds because nothing has ever been worth spoiling it.
What changes have occurred over these 25 years?
The friendship grows stronger. Tuning used to take longer; now it takes less time. They shift from recounting late-night van adventures to discussing family and life choices. That is the evolution.
What would the band say to Kutxi 25 years ago?
A few moments where he would have a few accidents, nothing more serious. Beyond that, no big regrets. The past is a guide, not a cage. He has been the best father, husband, and son he could be, even if not perfect.
How has life at home shaped the band?
A thirty-year partnership at home accompanies the musician’s career. He began performing at sixteen. Music is deeply woven into his life, and he cannot imagine a different path. If he had to start over, he would still be drawn to sound and rhythm.
Does he avoid social networks?
He isn’t drawn to social networks, though he sees their usefulness. He does not use WhatsApp or other modern tools, preferring a more analog pace. He keeps his inner world private and has no desire to broadcast every moment.
Would arguments arise if they disagree?
If disagreements occur, they are never loud or disrespectful. There is no scenario strong enough to ruin the friendship.
Will Marea still be making music in 25 years if they are all alive and well?
Yes, provided they are together and in good shape. The essential sound they have is simple, and there is always a chance to keep playing.
Do they plan to cut back on concerts?
Any scheduling will reflect the state of their bodies. On tours, 70-plus shows across eight months used to be feasible; now, 24 shows in seven months is a more cautious rhythm. It’s a conscious choice as the joints begin to demand gentler handling.