BOC returns after five years with a new album that combines folk, metal and epic fantasy.

PalmAfter a five-year hiatus, the musical group BOC returns to the scene with Devers Ses Dos Torres, released on September 22nd, an album that represents a step forward in their sonic and conceptual evolution. We spoke with Biel Frontera and Jaume Rosselló, clarinet, piccolo, tamborino, guitarrón, and electric guitar, respectively, to find out what this return has been like and what the new work holds.

A long-awaited return

BOC paused its activity in 2019, but it's back with a vengeance this year. "This new album leans more toward metal and a more forceful style," explains Frontera. "We wanted to give more prominence to the band as a whole. On previous albums, the melodic part had a lot of weight; there were always very elaborate melodies and countermelodies. Now, the electric guitar and the instrumental ensemble have a more central role," comment the group's representatives. The result is a denser, more energetic, and direct sound.

A universe of its own

Since its inception, BOC has been characterized by a combination of great melodic richness and a commitment to interdisciplinarity. "The project is almost a universe in itself," explains Frontera. "From the album The 1,001 Goats We decided that each song would have an associated story, an illustration, and its own context within the BOC cosmos," they comment.

From that work a contest of writers and illustrators was born that would give shape to a collection of stories coordinated by Felip Munar and Joan Carles Munar, with illustrations first by Lourdes Cardenal and, now, by Adrián Sánchez, who has also been in charge of designing the cover of Devers Ses Dos Torres. The new album is part of a trilogy that revolves around the figure of Toni Bardo, and this new album is the second chapter. "Each song is like a piece of a fantastic story; many are inspired by the universe of Lord of the Rings", the musicians explain. The album's booklet contains all these stories, which allow the listener to enter the group's imagination and better understand each composition.

Presentation and collaborations

Following the release, the band will officially present it this Saturday, October 18, at the Pollensa Folk Festival, where the group promises "some songs during the live show." Although BOC initially decided not to have a vocalist, so as not to take the spotlight away from the band, on this album they have incorporated vocal collaborations by Cristina Van Roy and Miquel Gil. "We use the guitar as another instrument. We didn't want it to take the spotlight away from the rest of the group, as usually happens," says Frontera.

BOC in Mallorcan folk

When we talk about folk music in Mallorca, it is often confused with traditional music and bot dancing. "Folk is often thought to be It's just playing boleros or jotas, but this is traditional music. We use traditional instruments, but to create new compositions, which mix rock, punk, and new age. People think it sounds like folk because of the instrumentation, but we're actually a fusion band." However, within the Mallorcan scene, BOC is often included in the traditional music sector. "We're included in this genre because we use xeremías or zambombas, but our music, while not better or worse, is much broader. It's like making punk with a piano," they point out. "All of this has meant that sometimes we haven't had our own space," they consider.

The band is also preparing a special concert for November 15th, to commemorate the anniversary of Es Gremi, where they will celebrate this new era. Devers Ses Dos TorresBOC confirms that their return isn't just a one-off, but rather the beginning of a new chapter in their career. A journey that combines fantasy, poetry, and sonic power. "BOC has always been an open project," Frontera concludes. "Our goal is to continue weaving this universe where music, words, and illustration come together. And above all, to do so in our own name," they assert.