El Pantorrillas – Palomo Cojo (Self-Released, 2025)
El Pantorrillas redefines a once-pejorative term with Palomo Cojo (lame pigeon), an album rooted in southeastern Spain’s folk traditions. The title references a rural Spanish euphemism used to question a man’s masculinity, particularly in the 1970s-90s. Here, it becomes a declaration of identity, weaving stories of love, loss, and resilience into traditional musical forms.
Drawing inspiration from La Trilogía del Olvido, a book series by Murcian writer Jan J. Martín, the album gives voice to those historically forced into the margins. The lyrics, candid and deeply introspective, reflect lives shaped by secrecy yet deeply connected to their land. Through lively, emotive and engaging parrandas, malagueñas, and jotas, the record reclaims folk music as a space for storytelling and self-expression.
Produced by Constantino López and recorded at Primavera en el Atlas studio, the album treats tradition as a living, evolving force. It features collaborations with Valencian multi-instrumentalist Efrén López and cantaora Noelia Llorens “Titana,” a prominent figure in the southeastern cuadrillero movement. From Murcia, Mari Cruz Sánchez (of Mujeres con Raíz and Cuadrilla de Cañada de la Cruz) lends her voice, further grounding the project in its regional roots.
El Pantorrillas’ core musicians, Tomás García (guitar, percussion), Raúl Guirado (flute, backing vocals), Enrique González, and Óscar Esteban, deliver a raw, intimate sound. The standout percussion of Francisco Navarro “Paco del Prudencio” adds an unmistakable Aguileñan flair.
Buy Palomo Cojo.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.