Rai Escalé’s carnivorous eye is back at Iguapop and he does it the best way he knows: inciting us to participate in his circus of horrors, meeting place of hallucinating nightmares, figures of a sinister beauty and dark characters that seem to have been trapped in the canvas right before evaporating beyond the limits of their own shape, between paint and solvent… Collage and painting act like enigmatic costumes covering their faces and deforming their iconic commercial bodies, making them scream and laugh perversely, distorting their perfect faces till they become horrifying. Get lost for a while in a bizarre and perverted world, let yourself fall down in one of the abysses that crack open behind such red and sensual parted lips that are Rai Escalé’s works of art. / María Arranz Trans. by Susa

Some designers think up an idea, sew a seam, or cut a block, and give shape to a story, life to an image, personality to a piece of reality that transcends words and settles on the patterns, the pins and the details. Some designers step down from the catwalk to show their collections. Some are found in museums or art centres, combining different disciplines in more and more radical ways (did you hear about Animal Collective at the New York Guggenheim’s birthday celebrations?). Some designers captivate; some are true artisans of our times. Zazo&Brull is all of this, and their new collection, Fragilidad, is presented with a story and en event that should not be missed. See you there? / Descalza Trans. by Suky Taylor

Les Aus and La Pedrera are two such antagonistic terms that it seems sickly interesting to see how they´ll collide. The dust up of a duet between Mau Boada and Arnau Sala won’t go down at some flat in the iconic building, but in a fixed up auditorium on the ground floor. Still their visceral approximations and experimental sound is sure to make the foundations of the casa Gaudí tremble. And they will be just fine together. In fact, it is when we take things out of their natural context that we can see to what extent they are valid or not; and if we take Les Aus from the resounding catacombs where their music plays best, and place them in a posh basement with the images from Gerard Gil contributing to the confusion, the experiment promises to be deliciously subversive./ Iu Peña Trans. by Carol

Times goes by and N2 outstands for its vision and trust in young artists, without avoiding their compromise with the big names of the house. Today they get three young talents together, with one thing in common: trace. The three of them have a thing for all the colours available in the toner, like for instance the synthetic aproach, almost 3D, of Suso 33, just back from Performing Arco. Joan Saló is more about gel pens over paper, abstract landscapes that resemble a cromatic rain that will awe you all. Finally, the portraits in colour vinyl of JM Villa-Escribano, a suggestive and lucid reflection of young urban identity. Quality drawings, from a windows that glances into the future./ Sandra Guixé Aguilar

“Sad Boys Dance When No One’s Watching” (2005) and “I Am Becoming What I Hate the Most” (2008) are stimulating showings of the capacity of Pepo Márquez to assemble a solid and moving songbook. Taking cover behind his guitar or accompanied by musicians like Javi Vicente (the frontman of the band Big City, also great), Márquez is one of those musicians who knows how to communicate using only a few elements. The invitation of the cycle A Viva Veu, playing completely unplugged with the audience seated close up, is set up in a way suggestive of his expressive way of understanding live music. It bring another veiled promise, where the songs crackle with a contagious purr./ Dimas Rodríguez Trans. by Laura

Aaron Thomas has been busy working all summer on his new record. “Made of Wood” was recorded in Iceland with some heavy hitters on the mixing table and it shows –here is Aaron with all his cynicism, romanticismo, sensitivity, his rage, his fatalism, his melancholy, but most of all, his maturity as a songwriter and most of all as a singer: his voice has never sounded better. I caught them a few months back and they were so good I thought the arrangements were different! This is the first time Aaron is playing in Barcelona with a full band including a keyboard and the power is remarkable. To see Aaron perform in a place so small and cozy as Sidecar is a privilege and perhaps one of the last times you’ll be able to see him in such an intimate setting. There should be more artists as good as Aaron./ Hankster

The significance of each one of Los Planetas is purely personal. Some would even say emotional. Just like the same je ne sais quoi that gels you to your best buddy or lover. Their songs have mirrored many moments and phases of existential existence (“Una semana en el motor de un autobús”), of unconditional love (“De viaje”), of container euphoria (“Si estaba loca”), of drugs (“David y Claudia”), of betrayals (“Segundo premio”), of grudges (“Pesadilla en el Parque de Atracciones”), and of course of achievements. Of life itself, and just how that friend who never visits, suddenly decides to do so, so that he can go out in Barna, and crash on your couch for the weekend. Los Planetas are coming back to Barcelona, and not just to play in a dingy little club, oh no sir, we are going to be able to see and hear them loud and clear at the Palau de la Música. Just like a luxury dinner party to catch up with friends and remember the good old days, and how they have formed us all. Keep calm and carry on! / Aleix Ibars Trans. by Kat

March, Sweet March. Creation related to the body’s movement tends to be that which receives the least attention from the public and the various institutions. It suffers far greater the consequences of the entertainment “gum,” which after chewing instantly gives us all its flavor in an explicit and easily recognizable way. La Porta looks to open doors, as much to creators in different disciplines as to the diverse ways to bring their works to the public. In this way, they organize various cycles and newspapers with those who give fresh air to the artistic room. There she plays, with a creative advantage. Patricia Caballero, who offers us the possibility to live a “Serie inacabada”, let’s hope she continues for a long time, giving shape to these modern times. With no sign of air conditioners./ Juan Carlos Romero Trans. by Laura

For yet another year, we’ve done 13 now, or rather 12+1, Curt Ficcions is back, one of the best short film festivals around. And, for another year we’re invited to enjoy the most interesting works Spain has to offer in this field. New to this year’s festival though, the venue is the Alexandra cinema, with 2 programs of international short films, one dedicated to Mexico and the other to a selection of 20 films from directors from all over the world. So if this week, you lose someone in town, get down to Curts Ficcions, ‘cause they’re bound to be there./ Miguel Ibáñez Monroy Trans. by Aoife

In France they’ve been nibbling on crudités for centuries, but they never thought of exploring their musical side… If your taste buds are not tantalised by sticks of raw carrot, perhaps you should try the Producciones Equilibristas and Ovejasydiscos version – you might change your mind! The two producers are bringing an acoustic delicatessen to the Olympic festival, and the appetisers make up a mouth-watering feast, with dishes like Jordi Santos, Blanca Lamar, Delanada, Hans Laguna y la Sintaxis, and headliners Le Petit Ramon with their new album Acusticus Replica. Carpe diem!/ Juan Carlos Romero Trans. by Suky Taylor

Is the FEA back? The suggestion alone is enough to call streams of zombified fans of the electric-tack festival to any site. But if you add to that a glorious eighties homage night, things just might get out of hand: Spandau Ballet, Depeche Mode, Madonna, Giorgio Moroder, Blondie, The Cure, The Pet Shop Boys, Alaska(!), Mecano. And as special guests, live sets from Sergio Cuho, AlQaeda Soundsystem and Meretriz, and the Ship Shape Club session from Berlin, all on top of Monosexy and Xavi. Eighties and tacky guarantee the best party this weekend. The FEA’s gonna party like it’s 1983, all down at the KGB./ Nona Vilar Trans. by Suky Taylor

Have to say I was pretty peeved to see a financial marketing expert (Félix Serrano) a reputable blogger (Marc Vidal) and the Robin Hood of Banks (Enric Duran) sitting round a table to discuss, yet again, the most talked about topic of the last few months. The damn credit crunch. The fact that it costs €4 doesn’t seem to be the best idea if what you’re trying to do is get people to come, but (and there’s always a ‘but’ to try and justify the point) any opportunity to put the world to rights, is very welcome. However, this isn’t something you can just stick a plaster over and hope for the best. But, if we have to chat, blog, debate about it for the sake of it, then so be it./ Iu Peña Trans. by Aoife

You had a more attractive image of him in your mind. He didn’t use to talk stupid. She didn’t use to have such bad temper. How’d things get so screwed up? Damn, and when did that girl become such a hottie. Usually things don’t change; it’s our memory that fails us. It does this so we can overcome the hatred, the resentment and the opportunities we missed. So, after over half a century how do you remember a show? It depends on the context, the mood and the company…. Not only the show per se. “The Young and The Death” of Jean Cocteau opened in Paris during the post war period in 1946. After interviewing those who saw the show, the choreographer Olga de Soto presents a promising experiment: having compiling the testimonials she got during an interview, she’ll recreate the show. So it’s never forgotten…/ Francisco Estrada Trans. by RubyOh!

Whatever keeps a couple together for a long while is something indecipherable. That energy we call ¨love¨ doesn’t seem to be the only thing nor enough on its own, in many cases. The transition of the impulse or initial attraction to unrelenting love then continuing to love with certain disagreements and on till the definitive separation, it is a mysterious process… In “La música segona”, Marguerite Duras presents the moment of a couple just before signing the divorce papers. In this encounter we can witness the feelings that made passion possible, and we also get to see the pieces of the puzzle that didn’t fit. Very slowly the road to destruction is laid out, even if we see some of the shortcuts to the exit. Silence, self-control, accurate words and gestures full of intention embodied in the superb actors Àurea Màrquez and Xavier Ripoll./ Albert T.Riera Trans. by Carol

Two cops on Calle Mayor shook all Spanish bands in the wake of Los Planetas, Nacho Vegas and Sr. Chinarro that came out from under the rocks in the last decade. Those cops were the anthem that raised the Nasti when the municipal harassment was worse than ever, while Ariadna’s crazy look grew in its frozen state on stage. Los Punsetes say they have no lyrical purpose but their darts are the most poisonous of the entire Peninsula. Their songs, the freshest, and the new album, the confirmation. Untitled albums because they can’t reach an agreement, but all of them admire the poetry of vice and portray the indolence of a more fed up generation than the X generation. Los Punsetes are not the next anymore; they keep embittering us by the minute. Fuck them./Eduard Gras Trans. by Susa

It’s for parties like this that I’m convinced (not super convinced) that Barcelona’s underground scene is not only alive and kicking but safe and sound, and it’s even possible to go out every weekend. A Saturday, a random one, at Taxidermista’s basement (I mean, at Clandestino), three different and unique bands, the special kind that just the name and the poster promoting them sound cool. Margarita with their paranoid and unstoppable pop, Nisei with their unclassifiable post-hardcore and La Otra Gloria with their gawky rock & roll and a Sibyl Vane among their components. Three bands, one party night, a random Saturday, and long live the scenes that can permit such luxury. Hurray! / Leo Altés Trans. by Susa

Ok, ok, we all know fashion is frivolous. But we still fall into the same traps every season or every week for some of you fashionistas out there. I mean, we can’t walk around naked can we…?! We are all identify with a certain style or maybe many at the same time. But where’s the liberty to chose what we put on in the mornings without bending over to the tyranny of the major designers. It doesn’t really matter if it’s skate style, romantic dresses or maybe you prefer the simplicity of a T-shirt, we know there will definitely be something for you down at the showroom. This is where you’ll see everything all mingled together, along with the obligatory DJ and bar service that we’d feel deprived without. You won’t have a moment to feel bored, so put on your glad rags, and come on down!/ Miri Spuni Trans. by Kat

Surkin is the enfant terrible of French electro-house. When you see him behind the turn tables you’ll think: “His parents allow him to be out this late?” He’s just a kid… and in the tender age of 20 has worked himself up some fame for his re-mixes. His shaky booty-house and electro-gangsta rhythms are driving producers crazy. Chromeo, Justice and M.I.A., among others, have surrender at his feet and all signs say this kid will be on everyone’s mouth. Is he a worthy Justice successor? It’s still too soon to know, even though the kid is working his way up. His sound may resemble the French duo, although he has nothing to envy of his compatriots. Surkin has a character of his own. If you feel like partying, think no more. Surkin will give it to you./ Esther Díaz Trans. by Susa

If you put together the words sea and sky in Catalan, you get the name Marcel, and this is exactly how Mr. Miquel Vicensastre has re-invented himself and managed to fusion into one single word, just what his beloved Mallorca means to him. This island doesn’t just live from the fruits of Joan Miquel Oliver and Antònia Font. And that’s clear from his first record “Animals frágils” and his recent album “Ara”. This new identity tells tales of love (the eternal dilemma and universal theme), the perfect accompaniment to a melancholy winter. Tracks like “Naufragi” and “Morfina” even if just purely for their names, can evoke a whole multitude of emotions, feelings and memories. Careful when you listen to it, it’ll make you go all goose bumpy! / Miri Spuni Trans. by Kat

If you’ve already tried it you’ll know, but if you haven’t yet, you’ve still probably been told: the sauce that accompanies calçots is the best bit of the whole event. Without it, it wouldn’t be half as great. For this, all you need is a recipe off the internet (not complicated) and to make it absolutely perfect, you could gather folk from around Hort Urbà this Saturday and get your apron (and your bib) on. They’re organizing a public calçotada, where apart from just eating calçots (you bring your own, or pull them out of the urban “allotment” in Lluïsos de Gracia) and a collective salad (made with produce from people’s own back yards), you can learn to start your own vegetable patch with solar dryers and attend all sorts of workshops to improve your existing garden. Come and get dirty with a delicious, finger-licking good sauce. / Cactus Lima Trans. by Aoife

Words fail me. Categories and labels often fall short of helping us describe an artist, or, on second thought, describe many aspects of life. Language is a tool, not an answer. The same things happens with the language of film, and from these roots, with his own light, emerges James Benning, obsessed with taking control of the image to submit it to his own whims which are far beyond those of the rest. The screening that CCCB has brought to our land under the guise of Xcèntric for both those familiar and unfamiliar with the big screen, here presents us the recent film, “Rhur,” where Benning digitally plays with the hi-def of the industrial landscape of this area in Germany. If someone is wondering wherether there is poetry on the walls that watch the assembly lines, Benning responds that, for there to be, there is./ Juan Carlos Romero Trans. by Laura

On 7th November 1893, Santiago Salvador walked through the doors of the Gran Teatre del Liceu armed with two fragile Orsini, the preferred Anarchist bomb. After observing the pandemonium of the bourgeois waiting for the opera to start, the Aragonese activist made his way through the crowds and found himself a comfortable spot on the fifth floor of the emblematic building. The first act played out to a house packed with opulence and an alluring carefree atmosphere. And as the second act began, Salvador hurled his precious explosives into the stalls, causing complete chaos, deaths, injuries, and a commotion of vindication that remains unresolved still. As the label says, La bomba del Liceu is the story of a theatre, of an era, a society and an attack./ Eva A. Prats Trans. by Suky Taylor

I usually play football on Mondays, but with the recent Arctic chill in the air, you can easily understand why that idea doesn’t really flick my switches! I mean who in their right mind is gonna wanna run around in the cold damp of the night, in shorts and a T-shirt trying hopelessly to sweat out the weekend’s hangovers. No thanks! I shelved that idea long ago, so what do I do then, I can’t stay at home on Mondays, I mean who stays at home..?! Aha, the stay-at-homers are the poor ignorant souls that have no idea that the Arrebato Mondays are still going strong, and this week they’ll also be graced with the omnipresent Jordi Maranges, live on stage, theatre, cabaret, you name it, and of course with that cheeky little edge that makes your hair stand on edge! You’ll also be able to count on Cruzifijo, the début of a band that includes elements of Post Modern Ejaculation (easy tiger..!), Lorena C, Heoirs from Katalunya Interior, and Superputa. Did anyone mention football? / Leo Altés Trans. by Kat

The ‘before’ and the ‘after’ Clemens Behr has been to a place are really different. His work makes spaces come to life and they become corners, edges and angles that appear to have come out of nowhere. He transforms the room using the appearence it already has, and has done so in streets, the underground or the country. He uses materials as simple as cardboard, recycled wood and tape, and the results are spectacular. Now he’s going to create an installation in ROJO with the colours of the gallery (red, black, white and wood), building geometric shapes to make us confuse 2D and 3D. This time, he prefers to improvise the exact materials he’ll use. A fascinating adaptation of origami techniques that you can’t miss./ Marta Bausells

Hemingway and Sara Montiel, Carla Bruni and Sarkozy, Enrique Morente and Lagartija Nick… impossible partners at first blush, right? But as certain as the snow that covered Barcelona last Monday. I had the same opinion when I thought of the micro-poet AJO and the singer and experimental musician Javier Colis: what the heck are these two doing together at the Antic? Her being so feminine and vivacious, and him doing a kinda rock and roll which would make your mama run in the other direction. Once the surprise element was over, I realized that yep, those two share more than it seems: a profound authenticity in their work, a delight for pouring salt in your wound, freedom to create and lots of groove. Here we have two cultural activists, veritable gurus of minorities; with each one of them doing their own thing, following their own style. Ah, and do not trust either of them. Remember that it is possible to die crushed by a steamroller, as well as by the prick of a pin./ Bic Cristal Trans. by Carol

Looks like there are more and more initiatives dedicated to small acoustic gigs with few people and a relaxed atmosphere. Now it’s turn for Miscelänea with Caballoregalado. They want to invite small bands so that they can show their usual tunes or, even better, experiment and develop new music different from their regular style. This is made for Daniel Gutiérrez, their second guest (after the opening). His music changes in every occasion, so we’ll see if he surprises us with psychedelic, a capella, country or guitar-filled melodies. We venture to say this is looking good!/ Marta Bausells

Ah, the mystery of Ireland… birthplace of Guinness, James Joyce, land of potatoes and sheep (oh, and Enya!). Did you know that St. Patrick prohibited the possession of snakes in Ireland (or maybe just being pagan)? Or, that a long time ago pigs were could be found living in Irish houses and were nicknamed, “the lord who pays the rent”? But above all, the interesting part is that the boys and girls of any given part of the world celebrate March 17th. It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and on the 17th of March, the point is to celebrate. You don’t need to be Irish to do so, of course… if you like potatoes and have something green to wear, put on your hat, smile, and join in! There will be chocolate, Guinness truffles, forbidden sweets, Whiskey, and select Irish tunes and jigs for the occasion./ The Catalan Leprechaun Trans. by Laura

My absolute and utter respect goes out to people who, in the current economic climate, still believe in something (more so if it’s music, where business isn’t really booming). Respect to Marcos Juandó then, of Discos Juandó, who opened his shop just over a year ago. Also fair dues to Jordi Pujol, of Blue Sounds, a new store dedicated to jazz which collectors will drool over, and where the virgins (in the jazz sense of course) can embrace the introduction to this deep and wonderful style of music. Obviously, there’s a lot more than jazz on offer, but it’s the selection of classics, hidden treasures and the exhibits of relics in the form of old discs, (not for sale) which make Blue Sounds a risky bet, and as a result, a winner. / Iu Peña Trans. by Aoife

Some traditions will never die. And one of them is having a vermouth on the weekend. Who hasn’t met with some friends on a Saturday afternoon to have a vermouth? Who hasn’t woken up on a Sunday morning daydreaming about having one before eating lunch? Imprevist has decided to give an original and innovative flair to this memorable moment by accompanying it with some good music. And the music is jazz! Why? Well, because Pere and Ruben, the owners of this place, are vermouth and jazz fans, and therefore have decided to turn this combination into a really special event. So now, get your mind and body ready to discover new sensations during these jazzy afternoons at Imprevist. This weekend Huruk Quintet will delight your ears while you enjoy a delicious vermouth./ Anna Casasayas Trans. by Carol