Presuntos Implicados

Hailing from the modest Murcia town of Yecla, Spanish pop group Presuntos Implicados made a name for themselves in the late 20th century as the architects of a distinctive breed of tender pop bound together with jazzy rhythms and orchestral flourishes. Formed in 1983 by brother and sister Juan and Sole Giménez along with their friend, Pablo Gómez, the band got their first big break as the winners of Radio Nacional de España’s Don Domingo competition, which put them on the radar of RCA Records. Their debut album, the funk-leaning Danzad, danzad malditos, arrived in 1985, although the group soon left the label, objecting to the commercial direction they were being encouraged to follow. After relocating to Valencia, the group signed to independent label Intermittent for the release of their 1987 sophomore album, De sol a sol. Lacking exposure due to the label’s low profile, they nonetheless caught the attention of Warner subsidiary WEA, who offered them a record deal, marking the start of a long and fruitful business relationship. The band’s third LP, Alma blues, landed via the imprint in 1989, signalling their major commercial breakthrough and achieving double platinum certification in Spain. Its follow-up, 1991’s Ser de agua, proved even more popular, topping the national charts, going quadruple platinum, and spawning a mega hit in “Como hemos cambiado”. Continuing to share new material on a near-biannual basis, the group have since remained popular, although lead singer Sole opted to part ways with them in 2006, going on to have a prolific solo career. Former Eurovision contestant Lydia was ferried in as the band’s new frontwoman, with whom they have since released a slew of albums including the Latin GRAMMY-nominated Banda sonora (2011).