|
Opcio K-95
|
|
|
|
|
|
The beginnings of Opcio K95 go back to the year 1995, when three of the current members (Raul:Drums, Daniel:Bass, and Carles:Vocals) decided to form a band in which they could express themselves in their own language, Catalan (as opposed to Spanish). It was after a concert that same year in the city of Gracia that the formation of the group began to take shape with the addition of Almu (singer of Pilseners) to the band on guitar, as well as Marc (also on guitar). In 1996 Almu is replaced by Lluis and it is with this lineup that the band records its first demo.
It was with this recording that the band was noticed by alternative record label Propaganda and ended up releasing it as the CD titled “Cap Oportunitat.” The recording was done with the supervision of Guy Wenger, who among others, has worked on the recordings of the classic catalan band Dr. Calypso.
The CD, which is the first ever oi record ever to be made sung exclusively in Catalan is presented at the KGB room on June 13th 1997 during a concert with Remences and Crit de Lluita. The first pressing of 600 copies was sold out in only two months. The next year the CD is repressed, along with a cassette version. The 2500 copies total that were put out also sold out in a short period of time.
At this point the group starts having more international recognition, appearing in the compilation “Sun, Sea, and Socialism” along such top notch groups as Stage Bottles (Germany), Red London (England), Blaggers (England), and Les Partisans (France). Concerts started to pile up, as well as offers to participate in diverse compilations.
Two years and many concerts later, the group records its second release titled “Mai Morirem” once again on Propaganda which receives very good reviews and is very well received by the general public. The CD is also released in the US and Canada via Insurgence Records. The group then tours around Europe, culminating in a memorable concert in Geneva, Switzerland in October of 2001. At this point Marc leaves the band, leaving as only guitarrist Omar, who had just recently joined the band. Soon after, the second guitar position is filled by Guifre of Pilseners.
Over this period Opcio K95 has become known as the premiere left-wing oi band in the Iberian peninsula. A reputation achieved through many years as a hard working band in the scene who backs up its politics with action, and has the soundtrack to make you appreciate it!
This latest release, on Fire and Flames for Germany and France and Bullanga records the rest of the world, marks a new step in the development of the band, with a more aggressive and precise sound.
“Skinhead, Only Red!”
|
|
|
1997- "Cap Oportunitat" CD
1999- "International Socialism" 7" split with Brigada Flores Magon (Released on Mad Butcher Recs.)
2000- "Mai Morirem" CD
2005- "Terra Cremada" CD (Released on Fire and Flames Music and Bullanga Recs.)
2005- "Best Before 2004" CD (Released on Solitude Urbaine)
|
|
|
http://www.opciok95.com
|
|
|
|
|
