Album Review: Pöker by Poker – A Glam-Rock Fiesta from Spain That’s Hard to Forget
Alright, buckle up, because Pöker by Poker is here to slap you in the face with its leather-clad gloves and sequined boots. This Spanish rock outfit brings the heat with a mix of glam and hard rock that feels like a wild night out—messy but unforgettable. Released on Not On Label (which kinda sounds like they’re too cool for labels), this album screams rebellion while still being polished enough to keep your ears happy.
First off, let’s talk tracks. "Stay With Me" kicks things off with an anthem-like vibe that sticks to your brain like gum under a barstool. It’s got this big, sweeping chorus that makes you wanna grab someone—or something—and just… stay. The guitars are crunchy, the vocals are raw, and it’s basically begging to be played at max volume while driving nowhere fast. Honestly? If I could only remember one song from this album, it’d probably be this one. It's catchy as hell and doesn’t try too hard to impress—it just does.
Then there’s “Universe Of Rock,” which is exactly what it says on the tin. This track feels like a love letter to every rock cliché ever written, but somehow, it works. Big riffs? Check. Swaggering vocals? Double check. Lyrics about living large and rocking harder? You betcha. What makes it stand out is how unapologetically fun it is. Like, sure, it might not reinvent the wheel, but who cares when it sounds this good? It’s the kind of tune that gets fists pumping even if you're sitting alone in your pajamas eating cereal. Don’t judge; we’ve all been there.
The rest of the album keeps the energy high, though some tracks blend together after a few listens. “Legends” tries to channel some epic storytelling vibes, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark—it’s more “cool uncle sharing war stories” than actual legend material. Meanwhile, “Llanto II” adds a touch of drama with its moody intro, but honestly, my Spanish isn’t great, so I spent most of it nodding along pretending to get it. No shade, though—it’s still solid.
And hey, props to them for naming the title track "Pöker." Bold move putting umlauts where they don’t belong. Feels like they’re trying to say, “Yeah, we’re mysterious and edgy,” but really, it just made me laugh. Still, points for creativity!
So yeah, Pöker isn’t perfect. Some songs feel a bit samey, and the production has moments where it could use a little more oomph. But dang, does this album have personality. It’s like hanging out with that friend who always shows up late but tells the best stories once they arrive. Sure, they might stumble over their words sometimes, but you forgive ‘em because they’re having such a blast.
Final thought: Listening to Pöker feels like finding a hidden treasure chest filled with glittery spandex and broken drumsticks. Is it groundbreaking? Nah. But is it a damn good time? Absolutely. Now excuse me while I go figure out how to pronounce “Llanto” without sounding ridiculous.
