Esqueletos

Esqueletos were a short-lived but memorable pop and power-pop trio from Madrid, active in the early 1980s. They came out of the same buzzing underground scene that surrounded La Movida Madrileña, even if they never quite crossed over into the mainstream.

 
The band was made up of José Battaglio on guitar and vocals, Enrique Martín on bass and backing vocals, and Miguel de las Casas on drums. At the beginning they actually called themselves RPM, but since another group was already using that name, they switched to Esqueletos. 

Their sound was direct and energetic, built around jangly guitars and punchy rhythms with a clear punk edge. You can hear influences from bands like The Jam, Buzzcocks, and The Clash, mixed with that raw, enthusiastic feel that defined a lot of early-80s Spanish pop. The songs were short, catchy, and meant to be played loud rather than over-polished.

 
Esqueletos only released one official record, a 7-inch EP called 'Radio 222' in 1983 on Flush!, a sub-label of Hispavox. The title track became their best-known song and got some underground radio play at the time. The EP also included “Sólo Necesito Un Poco De Diversión” and “Intrusos En Mi Jardín,” and it has since turned up on various compilations celebrating Spanish pop from that era. 

The group didn’t last long. Like many Spanish bands of the time, they broke up when Enrique Martín and Miguel de las Casas had to leave to do their compulsory military service, which effectively brought things to a halt just as they were gaining momentum. 

After Esqueletos, José Battaglio stayed active in music, playing in bands like Los Seres Vacíos and later La Frontera, and also working as a producer and collaborator with artists such as Ana Curra. Enrique Martín later joined the band Las Ruedas.

 
Today, Esqueletos are mostly remembered by fans of early-80s Spanish pop and power-pop as one of those “cult” bands: not hugely famous, but fondly recalled for their strong songs, youthful energy, and their place in Madrid’s lively underground scene.