Album Review: Discharges by Shenobi – A Raw Indie Rock Gem from Spain
If you’re into music that feels like it’s been carved straight outta someone’s soul, then Discharges by Shenobi might just hit the spot. Released back in 2008 under their own label (you know, DIY vibes all the way), this Spanish band brought together indie rock and punk with a scrappy energy that still feels fresh today. It's not perfect—heck, it doesn’t even try to be—but maybe that’s what makes it stick.
Let me start with “Coffee Break,” because how could I not? This track is like your favorite pair of ripped jeans—messy but totally comfortable. The guitar riff from Maties Nadal has this jagged edge that hooks you right away, while Joan Roig’s vocals sound like they’re coming from someone who’s seen too many late nights but can still crack a smirk about it. There’s something about the way the bassline grooves along—it’s not flashy, but dude, it keeps everything glued together. When they hit that chorus, it’s impossible not to nod along. Feels like rebellion wrapped up in three minutes of noise.
Then there’s “Positive.” Yeah, the irony isn’t lost on me either—that title paired with such raw grittiness. But man, this song hits different. Gabriel Díaz on drums goes hard here, pounding out beats that feel like heart palpitations after one too many espressos. And those lyrics? They’re simple yet kinda punchy, like little reminders scribbled on the back of an old receipt. You don’t need fancy words when the emotion cuts through like this.
The rest of the album follows suit—tracks like “Llaüt” and “Carbon Dioxide” keep things unpredictable without losing focus. Santi García deserves props for mixing and mastering; he manages to make the whole thing sound cohesive despite its chaotic roots. Oh, and let’s give Tomeu Mulet some love for the photography because the visuals match the mood perfectly: gritty, unpolished, real.
What stands out most about Discharges is how human it feels. Like, these guys weren’t trying to impress anyone—they were just making music for themselves. Maybe that’s why it resonates so much. You can hear the sweat, the arguments, the laughter in every track. Even the self-released aspect adds charm—it’s like finding a hidden gem at a thrift store.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album now feels kinda bittersweet. These songs came out over a decade ago, and yet they still slap harder than half the stuff released today. Makes ya wonder if we’ve lost something along the way—or maybe bands like Shenobi remind us what music should always strive to be: honest, imperfect, alive.
So yeah, go check out Discharges. Just don’t blame me if you end up blasting “Coffee Break” on repeat while staring blankly into space thinking about life choices.
