In a city where shadows also have rhythm, Sublocal-Z @sub-local-z emerges as a magnetic anomaly. Their sound doesn't seek to please, but to invoke. Between dark pulses, emotional distortion, and an aesthetic inspired by the rawest post-punk, the band has become a persistent whisper in Barcelona's underground scene. We spoke with Avefefénix, the group's vocalist and the restless soul behind a side project that promises to further expand the boundaries of sound and performance. In this conversation, we delve into his universe: from the origins of Sublocal-Z even the visions that drive him to continue creating in the cracks of the conventional.
How was Sublocal-Z born and what does the name mean? Sublocal Z originated from forming a band in which members with a strong musical connection arrived. Pau Castells (Keyboardist), Edu Ranguís (Guitar), along with Grabiel Martinez (Drums) came from other projects together and gave rise to the band where Oskar Primitive (Bass) and I AveFeFénix (Vocals and lyrics) arrived next.
The band took shape, we performed in different places and recorded the first EP. Later, Nuria Bach (drums) arrived when Gabriel decided to leave the band. Each and every one of us has shaped this project.
The name, besides being a sub-venue that's both low and dark, also means something more real. We're not in the current underground scene, but rather a step below, coming from its origins. From the authentic ones. And Z, as the last name of the alphabet, confirms this.
What musical influences marked the beginning of the project? The influences are from post-punk, Gothic Rock, Darkwave, etc. from the 80s and the bands that originated this scene. Joy Division, The Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, PIL, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you? It's a dark, frenetic, and direct sound, very reminiscent of bands from the '80s, but with songs of our own style that characterizes and identifies us as a band. It's been said that we have certain similarities with Bauhaus.
Your live performances have a raw, almost ritualistic energy. What role does improvisation play in your shows? We have our themes but all of them have a different essence in each live performance. In mountain hiking it is often said that the path, although it is the same, is never the same; when you walk it something always changes, that usually happens in our live performances and even in our rehearsals. The improvisation of the show is total, as it arises at that moment some things can be repeated but nothing is premeditated, in fact we can play improvised songs at any time.
There's a clear connection to the Bauhaus legacy and classic Goth. What draws you to that aesthetic? The intention wasn't to resemble Bauhaus. That's a general opinion, although I recognize it's very true. As for aesthetics, there are five of us, and we all have our opinions on this. In general, we don't give it much importance. It's known that image, social media, etc., are important and have played a role in this feeling, but in reality, we've gone through many stages of life, and each one goes as they please.
How do you build the visual and emotional atmosphere of your shows? We don't prepare anything. There might be an idea that comes up during a rehearsal, but everything is improvised. We play the way we rehearse, with great intensity and emotion. A rehearsal day is more about live performance than working on songs.
How was the creation process of your EP Astraloide? Of the songs we had at that time, we chose 4, and they were recorded in a rehearsal room, and then Pau Castells made the final master with the tracks.
Do you have a fixed methodology for composing or does everything arise spontaneously? Everything arises spontaneously, in rehearsals we let ourselves be carried away by the moment and inspiration and from there the songs come, we keep what we like the most. We have many songs that are left behind as we only choose the best. Sometimes there are individual ideas that are shared with the band and from there a song is formed.
What role do synthesizers and dark textures play in your sound? A lot. It's more of a piano with effects than a synthesizer. Pau creates the atmosphere of our sound on the keyboard, and together with Edu Ranguis on guitar, they give it that melodic touch we have. The two of them have known each other perfectly for 20 years.
What themes do you like to explore in your lyrics? What do they talk about? I compose most of the lyrics myself. I write them in Spanish, and I arrange some in English, depending on the improvisation during rehearsal. The lyrics don't have fixed ideas, but they tend to talk about freedom, power, ego, life, death, hope, the unknown, as well as the feeling for this movement and its music. So there's no narrative behind your albums? The topics are not individual.
Do you think post-punk is still a valid vehicle for social or emotional criticism? Yes, I believe it is and will always be valid, the human being is imperfect and that's why.
How do you see the post-punk and darkwave scene in Barcelona right now? You've shared the stage with bands like Self Secrets and My Own Burial. What unites you and what sets you apart? Are there any artists you'd like to collaborate with in the future? It's currently booming. There are a large number of bands in the city, live shows and DJ sets practically every weekend, and many of them even coincide on the same day.
En Barcelona we have the legendary disco Undead Dark Club and others like ST Vitvs DanceWe have shared the stage with many bands such as Larva, Serch, Dexist, Malefixio, The Red Ashes, My Own Burial, Self Secrets, Low Blows, Santa Espina, Mr. Misael and The Tormented, Endora and its Vices, Draven, Black Void, Enhok, Cardiax, Bouzuki dance beta. And, from Madrid, International Style, Dunkelwald, Spectral Beach and the French Sex Blood. Also many stands like Etremosaics etc… which provide decoration to the movement.
I think we're all united by a passion for music, movement, etc., and many of us are friends; we've known each other for years. The differences, I suppose, are playing with drums, which sets us apart from other bands, and also the fact that we play post-punk very similar to '80s classics.
Another important thing is that we don't use drum machines and have very few effects, both collectively and individually, each of us with our own instrument. It's a pleasure to perform or collaborate with anyone who wants to work with us. Nowadays, it would be great to play at a festival or in a show with a classic or leading underground band right now.
What can we expect from Sublocal-Z in the coming months? Do you have plans to release new material or tour outside of Catalonia? We just released the EP Intense, which is already available on platforms and social media. We're currently recording two songs, which we've already played live, and a physical CD that will combine previously released songs with some new ones. On October 2th, we'll be performing live in Barcelona with the Madrid-based band. International Style in what will be the last live performance of the year.
We're looking forward to booking live shows for next year in Valencia, Zaragoza, and any other interesting proposals you offer.
And so, without further ado, Sublokal.Z says goodbye as it came: with rhythm, with street, with truth. There's no pose, no filter. Just bars that slam and beats that breathe the neighborhood. From the basement to the stage, his voice continues to set the pace for a generation that refuses to shut up. Sublokal.Z isn't looking for likes, he's looking for a legacy. And as the smoke clears and the final verse falls, it's clear: the sound of the Z reverberates beyond the venue.
