La Ola Interior (Spanish Ambient & Acid Exoticism 1983-1990) is a compilation of tracks recorded in Spain during the mid to late 1980s. The collection showcases a variety of styles, indicating that ambient music was already a recognized genre. However, while many artists in the US and Japan were venturing into New Age sounds by this time, the Spanish contributors maintained a more experimental approach.
The tracks in La Ola Interior encompass a range of elements, including despondent drones, analog synth explorations, detached chants, field recordings, and rhythmically driven pieces. The compilation is characterized by a DIY aesthetic, drawing listeners’ attention to its unique sound.
Ambient music typically aims to blend into the background, as noted by composer Brian Eno who described it as requiring an equal balance of interest and ignorability. Despite some tracks being suitable for background listening, many pieces on this compilation demand closer engagement. The ambient textures focus on hypnotic qualities rather than merely fading away.
For instance, the opening track, “Transparent” by Miguel A. Ruiz, utilizes a short piano loop layered with aliased noise, creating a melancholic build-up reminiscent of William Basinski’s work. Following this, Camino al Desván’s “La Contorsión de Pollo” evokes a slower Tangerine Dream vibe, while Finis Africae’s “Hybla” combines Krautrock with Spanish and Arabic influences, offering a catchy rhythm. Other tracks, such as Javier Segura’s “Malagueñas 2,” take a more orchestral route, resembling a storytelling journey through sound.
Multiple contributions from certain artists reveal their varying influences, ranging from traditional musical roots to American minimalist compositions, while also highlighting a communal drive for sonic exploration. Compilations like La Ola Interior serve an important role in preserving works from artists who may not be widely recognized, particularly among American audiences, and can be accessed through labels like Les Disques Bongo Joe.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/column/817417/la-ola-interior-compilation-80s-spanish-ambient-and-electronic-music