MADRID – FACING THE VOID WITH CABALLO TRIPODE

You know those times when you feel the immensity of the universe and the ultimate insignificance of your role within it? I’m specifically talking about that moment after a longterm relationship goes into recievership, when you realize that there’s a whole army of boys who can take your place, sort of hiding in the shadows like the evil spirits at the end of Ghost. Well, Chemita from Caballo Tripode knows exactly what I mean.

Horror Vaccui

The band’s based in Gandia, a seaside town on Spain’s southeast coast, which accounts for the record’s frazzled surf rock, echoey vocals, and fairground melodies. You’d think the sun, sea, and sangria would mellow them out a bit. But obviously not.

Vice: OK, First question. Do you like Where’s Waldo?
Chemita: Yeah, although I can never find him. I’m really impatient, so I always skip pages thinking that I’ll find him quicker on the next one. It’s crazy that you asked me that, I was just looking at Where’s Waldo today. Did you bring it up as an example of horror vaccui?

Yep.
Wow, you’ve done your homework! Waldo’s a good one but the best example is Arabic architecture–they never left any space uncovered in the interiors of their buildings. Everything was covered in mosaics and detailing. Also in Asterix and Obelix. You know how they’re always scared that the sky is going to fall on their heads? That’s fear of the void.

Yeah, but I always thought that was to do with them huffing that magic potion all day. You must have thought about this loads.
When I first came across the concept I totally identified with it, but was also terrified by the immensity of possible interpretation. Have you ever felt attracted to something and repelled by it at the same time? That’s intrinsic to horror vaccui. It’s sort of how I feel about rock and roll too–I can hate the way that some bands pose, but love their music…but anyway. When you come across something and you don’t know how to react, that’s the fear of the void. It’s an existential, spiritual and physical fear–the fear of coping in a world where you don’t have a clue where to begin.

OK, now I’m fucking depressed.
Don’t worry about it. Come to the beach and I’ll buy you a drink.

Thanks man, I might do.

Caballo Tripode – “La Ballena Asesina” 

PAUL GEDDIS