José Merce performed in Orihuela on Saturday, a renowned figure at the forefront of flamenco for many years. His expansive career is marked by albums that earned him wide acclaim, with a sound that embraces both tradition and the subtle modern shifts within the genre.
On the evening in question, Merce began his set with collaborations that helped shape his early path, alongside masterful figures who catalyzed flamenco’s pure and authentic voice. Over the past two years, he has been preparing a new album, a project born from deep conception and sustained production work with a Barcelona-based musician who distilled two and a half years of conversations with the Cádiz-born cantaor and his family. The result is a work steeped in biography, translating intimate dialogue into song. The album traverses life itself, weaving a narrative from darker moments toward a hopeful dawn, expressed through eight songs that carry a palpably flamenco undercurrent. It closes with an open, uplifting ending that invites listeners to keep exploring the best of life.
Natalia Lacuna brought her distinctive presence to The Room in San Vicente, arriving at 20:00 on Friday night. She stands as one of today’s most compelling vocalists, renowned for both studio work and live performances. Her admiration for Amy Winehouse is well documented, and she gained widespread attention as a participant in the 2018 edition of a popular talent show. Since then, Lacuna has built a solid career marked by strong public reception. Her latest work explores themes of longing and resilience, featuring collaborations with guitarists and other singers, while maintaining a personal, recognizable style that shines especially during live broadcasts.
Her repertoire includes a prominent theme from a popular series, and she has collaborated with artists across genres, demonstrating a distinctive voice that remains unmistakably hers. Since a recent reopening, Nave Iguana in San Vicente del Raspeig has become a focal point for an increasingly engaging program, highlighted by a trio concert lineup featuring bands Horizon, Land of the Sun, and Yoko Factor on a Saturday night. Horizon comprises Nicolás D’Andrea, Paula Domínguez, and César Tenorio, a group formed a decade ago and known for its spacey, retro-rock sensibilities blended with stoner textures.
Yoko Factor, a powerhouse Balearic duo, is made up of Andrea Trujillo and Pablo Herrero. They presented their debut album or flagship project, a bold display of collaboration and craft. Land of The Sun, rooted in stoner desert rock and ’90s-inspired grunge, features Alex McClur, Omar Laqdiem, Juanpa Nosigli, and Franklin Beró. Tickets are priced at ten euros, with performances beginning at 21:30.
Lino Suricato, the Alicante-based artist also known as Lino Suricato, returns with songs from his new album Equilibrio, his third full-length release. The concert starts at 22:00 at El Refugio Arte y Utopias and is offered free of charge in an acoustic format until capacity is reached. Suricato’s music blends pop and rock roots with fusion, drawing on a wide range of influences and collaborations that reflect a dynamic career. Early in his journey he performed with the group Cuarto Creciente, sharing stages with acts such as La Fuga, Celtas Cortos, Huecco, Maldita Nerea, and Soziedad Alkohólica.