Pionera

Sometimes it just takes a little flame to get things going. A spark to make a connection. That spark between Héctor Bardisa (drums, vocals) and Rodrigo Rozas “Katafu” (guitar, vocals) first emerged at a distance, until Katafú decided to leave Barcelona and settle in the crowded sands of Alicante. His intention was to start over and bring closure to his career with FAMILEA MIRANDA, a seminal band from the South American post-hardcore scene that had lasted for a couple of decades, taking him from his native Chile to fortified Europe.

This personal connection and shared understanding of life through music—based on mutual respect and admiration—led to the meteoric emergence of the UGATZ project. However, that same spark also meant that, after just a few months of life and a handful of concerts, the project imploded prematurely—just as it seemed to be taking flight.

With little time for licking wounds or dwelling on regrets, H and K decided to build a new house from the ground up, laying its foundation in the joy and infectious pleasure they found in creating and playing music together. In just over a year, they composed the songs that would become PIONERA’s debut album, Bolsa de piedras (2022). The record featured a collaboration with Rubén Martínez (bass, vocals), a Catalan musician Héctor had previously worked with as part of the backing band for Basque guitarist AINARA LEGARDON.

The album retained some references to the catalogs of Sub Pop, Touch and Go, and Dischord (which are still present here), but PIONERA is a completely different beast. By embracing new influences—some 80s heavy metal, progressive punk rock, even touches of South American folklore—they crafted a collection of well-thought-out songs full of detail and unexpected twists, making Bolsa de piedras a hard album to pigeonhole.

After performing across much of Spain, the songs began to evolve and expand through the band's live shows. It is in these live performances where their music truly comes into full bloom.

Last summer, Rubén Martínez decided to leave the band due to logistical reasons—he remained in Catalonia while the band continued rehearsing in Alicante. Enter José Antonio López Rubio: a local bassist, friend, musician, engineer, and seasoned luthier with a thousand adventures under his belt.

With this new lineup, the band is now preparing their second album and will embark on a Northern European tour for the second time. This journey will take them through Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland for ten days in July 2025.