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About Belako
Hometown
Mungia, Basque Country, Spain
Formed
May 2011
Genre
Alternative
Hailing from the Basque Country, Spanish four-piece Belako debuted their post-punk sonics in live performances across Spain before recording three full-length albums throughout the 2010s. The recipient of numerous awards including, Rolling Stone's Revelation Artist, the group went from strength to strength during the decade, performing across the globe and developing a dedicated international fan base.
The product of brother/sister duo Josu Billelabeitia (guitar/keys/bass/vocals) and Lore Billelabeitia (bass/keys/vocals), Belako -- named after Mungia, their birthplace -- was formed in May 2011. Finishing up the roster with Cris Lizarraga (vocals/keyboard) and Ibon Urizar (vocals/drums), the group honed their skills on the live circuit, performing in local venues and releasing two demo tapes. After Ibon left the group, the group found its finalized roster with the addition of Lander Zalakain, who took on Ibon's role as drummer.
The band's first big break came with a first-place win in Maketa Lehiaketa, an EITB Gaztea-run competition that gave the four-piece an impressive local following, and their first appearance at Bilbao's BBK Festival. Their debut album, Eurie, was soon to arrive. Pulling from the group's punk and new wave influences, the 2013 LP was a high-octane synthesis of style, and landed the group opening spots for artists including Elvis Costello and Crystal Fighters.
After an expansive tour across Spain's venues and festivals, the group self-released two EPs in early 2014 (Bele Beltzak Baino Ez and AAAA!!!!), which featured greater experimentation with electronic and lo-fi styles. Before embarking on another set of extensive tours in 2014 and 2015, the group won the Revelation Artist Award from Rolling Stone magazine. Their sophomore LP, written and recorded in between the group's expansive tours, saw release in January of 2016; Titled Hamen, the project incorporated more of the group's electronic influences while amping up their explosive, brash sonics. This was supported by a 100-plus date tour, which took the band across a variety of countries including Mexico, Germany, and England.
Following more touring, including an international tour across Asia, North America, and Europe, the group released their third LP, Render Me Numb, Trivial Violence. Perhaps their most varied set to date, the 2018 album pulled from the group's vast influences in a compelling blend of post-punk. ~ David Crone
Members of Belako include, or have included, Lander Zalakain.
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