AFTER THE FIRST SIN

Pribata Idaho emerged in Madrid in 1988, founded by Ernesto González (twelve-string guitar, vocals), Pedro Miguel Del Amo (drums, backing vocals) and Manuel Serván (bass, backing vocals). From the outset their jangly, Rickenbacker-driven sound and literate pop songwriting set them apart. After three self-released demos, their track “When the Day Falls Down” appeared on Munster Dance Hall Favorites Vol. IV (1991), earning airplay on Radio 3 and praise in the specialist press. In April 1991 they began recording their debut LP Cactus Juice—a vinyl-only release featuring eight originals and two covers (The Flamin’ Groovies and Buffalo Springfield)—but line-up changes, production delays and remix indecision from Mitch Easter stalled its release until late 1992. The final cover artwork by Mauro Entrialgo matched the album’s bittersweet charm. In 1993 they returned with the Pribata Idaho And Friends 10″: two classic originals, “Don’t Put the Blame on Me” and “Headless Man,” alongside dynamic covers of Paul Collins Beat’s “Don’t Wait Up for Me” and The Records’ “Starry Eyes,” featuring guest spots from Peter Holsapple (The dB’s, R.E.M.) and Scott and Kurt of Young Fresh Fellows. Their sophomore album Sueroine (1994), produced by Carlos Torero, fused Byrds-style harmonies with contemporary textures, winning acclaim for its winning blend of folk-psych and power-pop. In 1996 they signed to Elefant Records, releasing the single “Flowers and Bad Seeds” and the ambitious LP Hope (1997), whose textured arrangements and conceptual scope earned praise in Rockdelux and international press. Their final Elefant release, Spain Is Pain (2000), showcased a mature trio sound of memorable mid-tempo grooves and incisive melodies, earning accolades from Mondosonoro and Radio 3 listeners before the band’s 2001 farewell after twelve years of singular pop achievement.