Song of the Day - December 14, 2006

I don't understand a word of Spanish, but Manta Ray has me hooked. A post-punk delight that crosses the sounds of Slint and Don Caballero with elements of krautrock, Manta Ray has avoided my musical radar until just recently. In existence since 1992, this Spanish quartet will no longer remain unwatched. Their latest album Torres De Electricdad is on the noted Spanish label Acuarela. If listeners will give this album a chance, they will be won over despite the language obstacles. This is music of the highest quality and would be storming up the indie charts if it were in English. Music, however, transcends language barriers, and Manta Ray confirms this old axiom. I love the combinations of songs: slow, fast, dark, high energy, and mysterious tracks result in an endlessly interesting album. For a taste of this Spanish delicacy try the track "No Tropieces," which rumbles with a strong bass line, angular guitar chops, and punctuating trumpet volleys. Click here to listen.