Lana Akmaluna
The Spanish singer-songwriter Enrique Bunbury has officially released his latest studio album, De Un Siglo Anterior (From a Century Ago), marking the conclusion of a profound creative period dedicated to the exploration of traditional Latin American sounds. Released through Warner Music Spain, this project serves as a thematic and sonic bridge, allowing the artist to delve into the roots of Hispanic folklore before he pivots back to the rock-oriented soundscapes that defined his international rise to prominence. This transition signifies a pivotal moment in the career of one of the most influential figures in Spanish-language music, blending introspection with a scholarly appreciation for the rhythms of the past.
Recorded at the Desierto Casa/Estudio, located in the high-altitude serenity of the Desierto de los Leones in Mexico City, the album is the second installment of what Bunbury describes as a "joint phase." It follows the trajectory set by his previous work, Cuentas Pendientes, which introduced his audience to his interpretations of bolero and tango. However, De Un Siglo Anterior expands this palette significantly, incorporating a diverse array of regional styles including zamba, ranchera, son, and various Peruvian rhythms. By immersing himself in these genres, Bunbury aims to preserve a timeless songbook while filtering it through his own modern, often melancholic, perspective.
The Conceptual Framework of De Un Siglo Anterior
The album’s title reflects a dual preoccupation: a nostalgic longing for the analog sensibilities of the 20th century and a critical examination of the digital acceleration characterizing the 21st century. Bunbury has noted that the lyrics across the ten-track LP delve into the psychological and social impacts of the social media age. He posits that while technological evolution is inevitable, there is a tangible sense of loss regarding human connection and the "power of communication" that existed in previous eras.
The title track, "De Un Siglo Anterior," serves as the centerpiece of this philosophy. It invites listeners to reflect on what elements of the past century should be salvaged as the world moves deeper into the new millennium. This introspective vein continues in "La Cima," where Bunbury utilizes the metaphor of scaling Mount Everest to discuss the isolation and precarious nature of fame and professional success. Such themes are not new to Bunbury’s repertoire, but they are presented here with a newfound gravity, perhaps informed by his recent personal and health-related challenges.
Recovery and the Symbolic Significance of La Voz
One of the most poignant moments on the album is the track "La Voz," a jazzy bolero that serves as a direct reflection on the vocal health crisis Bunbury experienced in 2022. During a high-profile tour that was intended to celebrate his 35-year career, the singer was forced to announce his retirement from the stage due to severe respiratory and vocal cord issues. It was later discovered that these complications were caused by an acute intolerance to glycol, the chemical compound used in artificial smoke machines common in concert production.
Bunbury has been candid about the psychological toll of this period, admitting that he feared his career as a vocalist had come to a permanent end. "La Voz" addresses the fear of losing one’s primary tool of expression and communication. Beyond the personal health narrative, the song also serves as a tribute to "lost friends," broadening its emotional scope to encompass grief and the passage of time. The successful recording of this album stands as a testament to his recovery and his ability to adapt his vocal technique to more nuanced, acoustic-driven genres.
Artistic Collaboration and the Desierto Sessions
The production of De Un Siglo Anterior was characterized by a high degree of continuity and human connection. Bunbury chose to reunite the entire creative and technical team that worked on Cuentas Pendientes, including Mexican musicians Luri Molina and percussionist Johnny Molina. This decision was driven by a desire to maintain the "human experience" of the recording process, emphasizing the importance of communal living and shared dialogue in a studio setting.
The Desierto Casa/Estudio provided an atmospheric backdrop that is audible in the organic, stripped-back nature of the recordings. By opting for a team that had already established a shorthand, Bunbury was able to fast-track the songwriting and recording process. The artist acted as both singer-songwriter and producer, ensuring that the traditional folk elements were treated with respect while maintaining the high production standards expected of a Warner Music Spain release. The inclusion of tracks like "Un Brindis al Sol" and "Zamba Para Olvidar" demonstrates the band’s versatility in navigating the rhythmic complexities of South American folklore.
Chronology of the Folklore Phase
To understand the significance of this release, it is necessary to look at the timeline of Bunbury’s recent career evolution:
- February 2022: Bunbury announces his retirement from live performances due to chronic throat issues, citing a "vocal collapse" that occurred during soundchecks and shows.
- May 2022: He identifies glycol as the source of his health problems, offering a path forward for studio recording and limited live appearances.
- 2023: Release of Cuentas Pendientes, the first deep dive into bolero and tango, signaling a shift away from the experimental rock and synth-pop of his previous albums Posible and Curso de Levitación Intensivo.
- Mid-2024: The recording sessions for De Un Siglo Anterior begin in Mexico City, focusing on a broader range of Latin American folk genres.
- October 2024: The digital release of De Un Siglo Anterior and the announcement of the "Nuevas Mutaciones" tour.
This timeline illustrates a deliberate move toward "roots" music as a form of creative therapy and artistic reinvention following a period of professional uncertainty.
The Nuevas Mutaciones Tour and Stage Return
The release of the new album coincides with the announcement of the "Nuevas Mutaciones" (New Mutations) tour, a highly anticipated series of performances that will take Bunbury across Latin America, the United States, and Spain. This tour is significant not only because it promotes the new material but also because it marks Bunbury’s return to large-scale venues after his health-enforced hiatus.
The tour is scheduled to begin on October 10 in Puebla de Zaragoza, Mexico, a country that has long served as Bunbury’s second home and a major market for his music. A highlight of the itinerary is a four-night residency at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City, scheduled for October 12, 15, 17, and 19. This marks his first appearance at the iconic venue in nearly a decade. The tour will conclude on December 12 in his hometown of Zaragoza, Spain, providing a full-circle moment for the artist.
While the tour is expected to feature the folk-inspired arrangements of his recent albums, the title "Nuevas Mutaciones" suggests that Bunbury will continue his tradition of reimagining his classic rock hits through new stylistic lenses. This approach allows him to bridge the gap between his past as the frontman of Héroes del Silencio and his current status as a solo experimentalist.
Broader Implications and the Return to Rock
Industry analysts view Bunbury’s folklore phase as part of a larger trend where veteran Spanish-language rock artists return to acoustic and traditional roots to showcase their maturity and versatility. By mastering genres like the ranchera and the Peruvian son, Bunbury has solidified his standing not just as a rock icon, but as a comprehensive interpreter of the Hispanic musical tradition.
However, the artist has made it clear that this chapter is now closed. With the release of De Un Siglo Anterior, he has signaled a return to the rock genre for his next project. This "return to form" is eagerly awaited by a fanbase that has followed him through various stylistic shifts, from the electronic experiments of Radical Sonora to the cabaret-inspired sounds of El Viaje a Ninguna Parte.
The impact of Bunbury’s work in Mexico remains particularly strong. His expressed desire to perform a free solo concert at the Zócalo, the main square of Mexico City, underscores his deep connection to the country’s cultural fabric. Having previously performed there during a benefit concert for the 2017 earthquake victims, a solo show at the Zócalo would represent one of the crowning achievements of his career, rivaling the massive stadium shows of his Héroes del Silencio days.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Transformation
Enrique Bunbury’s De Un Siglo Anterior is more than just a collection of songs; it is a scholarly exploration of a musical heritage that spans an entire continent. By dedicating two years and two albums to Latin American folklore, Bunbury has paid homage to the giants of the past while proving that his own voice—once thought lost—is more resonant and nuanced than ever. As he prepares to re-embrace the electric energy of rock music, this folk chapter stands as a sophisticated and introspective interval in a career defined by constant mutation and artistic courage. The upcoming tour will serve as the final celebration of this "century ago" aesthetic before the musician embarks on his next transformation.
