Affectionately known to fans as the “Spanish Beatles”, beat rock quartet Los Brincos formed in 1963 and would go on to reconvene with four different lineups over the course of four decades. Founded in Madrid by drummer Fernando Arbex, bassist Manuel González, and singers and guitarists Juan Pardo and Antonio Morales – both former members of Los Pekenikes – the group quickly inked a record deal with Spanish label Zafiro, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1964. They soon found commercial success, with “Flamenco” reaching number one in Spain, and enjoyed exponential growth in the following years; an ensuing EP, Borracho, spawned two chart-toppers, “Tú me dijiste adiós" and "Borracho", and their second LP, Los Brincos II, led to several more hits and an increased international presence—aided by alternative versions of their songs, recorded in English, French and Italian. The standalone 1966 single “Un Sorbito de Champagne” was another huge success. However, the same year, Pardo and Morales both left the group, forming the successful duo Juan y Junior. Bringing Vicente Jesús Martínez and Morales’ brother, Ricky, into the fold as replacements, Los Brincos went on to appear on the cover of NME, closely collaborating with Kinks-affiliated producer Larry Page on their third LP, Contraband. Following the 1968 departure of Martínez, Óscar Lasprilla and Miguel Morales – another brother of Antonio’s – came on board, witnessing the band’s move toward contemporary styles including psychedelia and progressive rock. In 1970, the group released their fourth LP, the concept album and commercial disappointment Mundo, demonio y carne. After enjoying some success with another band, Barrabás, in the 1970s, Arbex revived the Los Brincos name in 2000 with a new lineup of members, with whom he released a final album, Eterna juventud. Arbex died on July 5th, 2003 at the age of 62.
