Un Pozo Lleno de Anzuelos by Esquelas: A Dark Dive into Industrial Soundscapes
Alright, let’s talk about Un Pozo Lleno de Anzuelos (which roughly translates to "A Well Full of Hooks"), the 2015 album from Spanish electronic outfit Esquelas. If you’re into moody, atmospheric vibes with a side of industrial grit, this one might just stick to your soul like those hooks in the title.
First off, the genre mash-up here is killer—industrial, drone, and dark ambient all rolled into one unsettling package. It feels like wandering through an abandoned factory at midnight, where every sound echoes just a little too long. The album came out on Bestiarie, a label that clearly knows how to pick its weirdos, and the whole thing was mastered by Matt Colton, so it sounds crisp even when it's trying to creep you out.
Now, onto the tracks. There are only four songs, but they hit hard. I’ll focus on two that really stuck with me.
"Remover en lo árido I" kicks things off, and man, it sets the tone perfectly. The track starts slow, almost hesitant, like it’s testing the waters before dragging you under. Layers of drones build up gradually, creating this suffocating yet strangely beautiful tension. You can practically feel the dust settling around you as the synths hum and groan. What makes it memorable for me is how patient it feels—it doesn’t rush to scare you or blow your ears out; instead, it lets the unease simmer until you’re fully immersed.
Then there’s "Atilano II," which hits different. This one’s darker, more aggressive. There’s a rhythmic pulse running through it, like machinery grinding away in some forgotten corner of hell. Mariana Isaza’s haunting vocal snippets add another layer of eeriness, floating in and out like ghosts whispering secrets you don’t want to hear. It’s the kind of track that makes you glance over your shoulder, even if you’re alone in a well-lit room.
The artwork by Miguel Sueiro deserves a shout-out too—it’s stark and minimal, matching the music’s bleak vibe perfectly. And props to Gerasimos Platanas for the photography, which adds to the overall sense of desolation.
So yeah, Un Pozo Lleno de Anzuelos isn’t exactly something you’d throw on at a party unless your friends are super into existential dread. But if you dig experimental electronic music that messes with your head, this album’s worth checking out. Honestly, listening to it felt like therapy for my inner chaos—I didn’t know I needed that until now.
Random thought: If this album were a movie, it’d probably be black-and-white, shot entirely in long takes, and leave you wondering what the heck just happened. And honestly? That’s kinda perfect.
