Itoiz stands as one of the Basque Country's most innovative rock bands, and their 1985 album Espaloian represents a pivotal moment in their artistic evolution. Released on the Elkar label, this record captures the band during a period of creative expansion, blending their rock foundations with progressive and pop sensibilities while maintaining strong ties to their regional identity through Basque-language lyrics.
The album opens with Egun Motela, establishing an energetic prog-rock aesthetic that permeates much of the record. Throughout Espaloian, Itoiz demonstrates remarkable versatility, moving fluidly between driving rock numbers like Hegal Egiten and the introspective Berandu Da. The title track showcases the band's knack for crafting memorable hooks within complex arrangements, exemplifying their ability to balance accessibility with musical sophistication.
What distinguishes Espaloian is its willingness to experiment across genres. Tximeleta Reggae injects unexpected rhythmic variety, while Taxi Horiak offers punchy, economical songwriting. The closer Clash Eta Pistols references punk rock pioneers, hinting at the band's eclectic influences and their position bridging multiple musical worlds. Telefonoan and Abar Irratia round out the B-side with solid, radio-friendly rock sensibilities.
For vinyl collectors, Espaloian represents an essential entry point into the Basque prog-rock scene. The album's nine tracks showcase a band operating at peak creativity, producing intelligent rock music sung entirely in Basque. This 1985 pressing captures Itoiz at a moment when they successfully synthesized progressive ambition with genuine melodic appeal, making it a worthwhile addition to any serious collection.
