Album Review: 20 Maneras De Enamorar by Various – A Raw Sonic Assault from 1995
Released in 1995 under the label PI Productions and DKV Zine, 20 Maneras De Enamorar is a curious artifact of Spain’s underground rock scene. This compilation album dives headfirst into grindcore and noise, genres that thrive on chaos and dissonance. It’s not for everyone—this record demands your full attention, almost like it’s daring you to press stop. But if you stick with it, there are moments where its abrasive edges reveal something oddly compelling.
One track that sticks out (and admittedly haunts me) is the aptly named "Untitled." Without warning, it launches into an onslaught of distorted guitars and guttural vocals, creating a wall of sound so dense it feels suffocating. Yet, beneath all the aggression lies a strange sense of urgency—a raw emotion that refuses to be ignored. You don’t just listen to “Untitled”; you endure it. And somehow, that makes it unforgettable.
Another standout moment comes later in the album, though I won’t name names because half the fun is stumbling through this labyrinth yourself. What I will say is that one song takes noise to another level entirely. Imagine someone dismantling a car engine while playing drums inside a wind tunnel—that’s the vibe. The production quality here isn’t polished, but honestly? That works in its favor. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about intensity.
What strikes me most about 20 Maneras De Enamorar is how unapologetically Spanish it feels—not musically per se, but in its attitude. There’s no effort to cater to mainstream tastes or soften the blow. Instead, it embraces its DIY roots, channeling frustration and rebellion into every second. For fans of grindcore and noise, this album could easily become a cult favorite. For casual listeners? Well, let’s just say it might test your patience.
Reflecting on 20 Maneras De Enamorar, I can’t help but think about how music doesn’t always need to comfort us. Sometimes, it needs to challenge us—to shove us out of our comfort zones. This album does exactly that, leaving you shaken and slightly bewildered. And maybe that’s the point. After all, love has many forms, right? Who knew some of them would come wrapped in distortion pedals and feedback loops?
Final thought: If albums had personalities, this one would probably show up late to parties, spill drinks everywhere, and still manage to charm everyone by the end of the night.
