Alright already, now for sure, the salad days are definitely over. That spring-time weather in the middle of January is long gone, as are those languid morning coffees on terraces and the sun streaming in your bedroom window. Now, for sure, the cold has come and with a vengeance, straight out off Siberia. And here, although we're not in for temperatures quite as frigid as those in Russia or Ukraine (30 degrees below!!!), they say they say that we're looking at sub zero digits (a respectable 3 or 4 perhaps). Bring it on!... Right? And it if it snows, like it did a couple years ago? Will people be skiing down calle Verdi or out curling on the zebra crossings?

The best thing about these frozen days is that you've got to keep moving to keep form freezing stiff yourself, so put on those gloves, mittens, hat and scarf and head out to the wild yonder, say María, Vito and Lucía

And so you've got some ideas of where to go to cope with the cold, take a peek at what we've got lined up for this week on Facebook, Twitter and our website.

Using old images as prototypes and rephotographing the same places and faces that they depict seems to have become an ever more frequent practice; from the work of artists like Irina Werning to blogs where the readers submit their own re-interpretations of the past. American photographer Mark Klett is the man who pioneered the style, taking captivating and haunting images of American landscapes. A geologist by trade, he is famed for rephotographing the Grand Canyon and Arizona wilderness. Now Klett has aimed his lens at Barcelona, swapping the mountains of the American South for Montjuic. He has taken panoramic shots of the city from the top of the hill and the images, together with the original prints, go on display at L’Arxiu Fotografic tonight. Go and see the change./ Senka

Science fiction was presented to us like some sort of “Terminator vision” (human losses: zero). But just as with the Twin Towers, reality is wilder than fiction; it's not enough to simply add information to the objects or scenarios selected from reality, but to take control and modify them. Yes, you can even go as far as to “vandalize” this “augmented reality”, like the flawlessly named “Space Vandals”. Their radius of action is that virtual space, still barely explored and controlled, just in the moment when the Internet as we've know it seems to be succumbing. And to think that the Mossos though that they'd cleaned up Plaza Catalunya... Well no! Download the apps on your mobile and you can see that the campaign continues, they have no idea of our ingenuity, and we're mad as hell and aren't going to take it any more!/ Francisco Estrada Trans. by Don Vito

The guys from Dimelorapido truly are some authentic talent-scouts when it comes to music. After discovering groups like The Free Fall Band or El Faro, they now add two bands that are in that sweet spot where things are only just beginning to go well: Naturalesa Salvatge and The Waterparties; the first ones being rookies (with a sweet kind of pop that makes one think of both Teenage Fanclub and the current Real Estate), the latter better described as veterans (in fact we are talking about Carlotto’s new group, the guitar player of Me And The Bees and formerly of the incredible Half Foot Outside). In both cases, they got there with only a demo, singing in the streets and a huge desire to get their stuff out there by playing many, many shows. And here they are, together, for half the price of a usual concert. Did I say half, more like a quarter./ Iu Peña Trans. by Nina

The day finally comes when you decide to take the step. You look around, take a breath, and let rip with all the thoughts in your head, stripping away all cover and leaving you with just your own words and feelings for protection. It’s a scary prospect, but what might you actually gain? Maybe you could make some real changes – what was never possible before might suddenly be something you can do. Or maybe it’ll help to purge your frustrations and stimulate a reaction – which is what Miguel Leal is aiming for with his new exhibition Desencuentros, relinquishing control and allowing just freedom of expression and a canvas to create abstract colours and familiar figures, disfigured by lines which transform his images into fantastic metaphor. Thoughts that are worth a thousand words./ Beatriz Corral Trans. by Suky Taylor

Like most great ideas, this started as a joke between friends... Montreal (1999): “Hey, why don’t we get together to make short films every month until 2000, when the world is supposed to end?” 200 films later, the world hadn’t ended, so these poor dreamers continued to create and create until.. Presto! They gave birth to the Kino movement. Here in 2012, we find that Barcelona’s Kino (Kinobarna) is celebrating one year and that these cinema lovers continue to get together every first Thursday of the month to show their film gems. At these meetings, ideas are projected, friends are made, and, most importantly, alliances form for the filming of the next short. Don’t miss out this Thursday on the opportunity to discover this little world and raise a glass to honor their first birthday. Happy Birthday Kinobarna!/ Lucia Vallejo Trans. by Isaac

I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that Robin Guthrie and his Trio are playing at la 2. It’s just that Guthrie was such a crucial figure in establishing the genre of “dream pop” during the 80s and 90s with Cocteau Twins that it’s hard to imagine being able to see him up so close in person. Unfortunately, whenever I mention “dream pop”, the word sleep is always mentioned shortly afterwards. You shouldn’t let this grave misconception deprive you of a potentially out-of-body experience which will have you questioning the limits of what “pop” music can do. Regularly cited as a paramount influence on this generation of guitarists, Robin Guhtrie's trio will be following the footsteps of his old band and offering layers upon layers of symphonic melodies which defy conventional labels. In addition to all of this, there’ll be some rather surreal visualizations being projected. Think of this as hypnotism at its best./ Carles Bruguera Trans. by Trevor

Let’s do this. Take it gently, caress it, pass your tongue over it, get it wet. We both know what’s going to happen, but what you don’t know is the intense desire I feel in doing so. To see your face, to hear you losing your senses. To feel my mouth close, so close... Men, let’s talk about fellatio. Blow Gallery opens this month with the intention of getting us hot. To start, a showing of black-and-white, erotic photography presided over by Christian Maury and Sergi Moragas, ready to show us the marvelous art of the carnal world. Once in, a projection of video art with the goal of teaching us new tricks. And to come to climax, all this is to be accompanied by a beats session of non-commercial pornography films. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for this. Want to go together?/ Nona Vilar Trans. by Isaac

Not fitting into society. Not fitting with cool colleagues. Not fitting in a suit. … And feeling bad. Your body isn’t docile. Sorry, you are not a part of the system; of its moral. You see Paquirrin and you feel sick for being like him, but suddenly you see the light and wait, you start feel for him… and what if the guy is a hero? And what if I am a hero too? Old Foucault himself said that we were trained, or rather, domesticated. Cloistered like hamsters in a chain of production that promises a rise up though the ranks and even to be free… to fit in with a deformed body. Body and society is what Sònia Gómez has investigated. In her choreography, “Movimientos politicos”, four bodies, docile or not we don't know, will debate their role on the stage. Four bodies now turned into dancers, in harmony with dance… But what about with society?/ Francisco Estrada Trans. by María Buendía

Intravenous tropical beats, mainlined as if they were the in vogue drug. And yes, we know that tropical garage is something that has been over-played lately, but hey, it always cheers us up, especially when it’s cold. And that’s definitely what happens with Fair Ohs, a sort of Vampire Weekend that’s a bit less tribal and a bit more tropical. Perhaps next year, or even in a few months you won’t remember, but you will have danced to them with great pleasure. Accompanying them are the Catalans, Villarroel, whose gloomy-voiced singer, Elsa, will transport you to colder worlds more characteristic of a dark and unpleasant David Lynch movie. This night is the work of Borja Prieto’s brainchild, Está Pasando, and Mucho Harte, and following on from the great acts already mentioned will be DJs Laurah and Mucho Harte and the ever-classic DJ Coco. Come and enjoy the winter with palm trees!/ Miriam Arcera Trans. by Julia

Music is already surprising in itself, but when improvisation is the main protagonist then interaction, experimentation and the search for new forms of expression enter into play. This is the philosophy of Hurta Cordel, an international improvisation festival which is landing in the Catalan capital to captivate the most daring audiences. Looking for new resonant spaces through the electric guitar and the cello, MoonDos will open the festival. Duo Spill’s challenge is to mix the identity of the piano and drums with the help of extended equipment and techniques. Norwegians The Geordie Approach will delight you with music which crosses a fine line between melody and noise and a Polish trio who got together in the Kraków Academy of Music will close the billing. Let yourself be surprised (and seduced) by the art of improvisation!/ Laura Ribes Trans. by Julia

Because “every generation needs their own literary characters to walk on the wild side of life”, BCNegra offers us this week a big batch of detectives, cops and private eyes. New characters who dip into the inkwell of classics and also new narrators, widened stages and new looks at a Barcelona under constant renovation. A capital of crime, turbulent and dark, where the action-packed stories are full of mysteries to solve, all making it that much more difficult for the followers of Noir Lit to chose which one. And when we find ourselves in front of a Méndez, a Carvalho or a Petra Delicado, choosing but one is nigh impossible./ Lorena Pedre Trans. by Don Vito

There are those who think that this group is pure flake, and look, maybe they’re right, but I like them anyway and they seem to be one of the most slutty proposals to have come out in the last couple of years. Yep, the Nancys talk about losing weight and even falling off the map, boldly injecting themselves with botox, about how ‘in’ Italian ribbons are and how ‘out’ Castilian furniture is and went so far as to coin the slogan “luxury, drugs, liposuction”. Queens of frivolity and punk rock glamour, the Nancys don’t take themselves, or anything, too seriously and though they might not know how to play, they do know how to pose and they do it to the limit. But that’s just how they are, divas wrapped in sequins, leather and lycra who’ll be presenting their fourth disc in the Razz tonight and singing their hits of now and forever. Gabba Gabba Nancys!/ Magenta Trans. by Marsha

Not Madrid-Barça; not Nadal vs. Djokovic; not Rubalcaba against Chacón. This Friday the only contest to watch is the Dj Shock Competition. The project, set up by The Zombie Kids, aims to bring young unknown Djs into the spotlight, and the competition is open to anybody who can play a session and wants to show off on the decks. The most important thing is not technique, but imagination, attitude and the potential to get the dance floor smoking. The competition has now reached the finals (and some of the competitors are only 18 years old), and this Friday they’ll all be at City Hall mixing alongside The Zombie Kids and showing the world what they can do. So if you want to witness the new wave of electronic talent, come by and join the throng at City Hall. Fancy a free party? / Nona Vilar Trans. by Suky Taylor

Brick Lane BCN is back with their first vintage market of 2012! What better way to start than with all of the vintage brands that they have worked with so far, and all under one roof! The host will be Corretger5 where the already awesome space will be transformed into mini shops for the day, housing brands Brick Lane BCN, Lab Couture, Layelfish, Mission Vintage, Vintage Me and Violeta Vintage. Together, they will have on sale a mix of glam, rock and classic vintage clothing and accessories. Brick Lane BCN resident DJ’s Danny Fresh and Mr. Mellow D will be there playing the best in dub step, house, hip hop and more. In addition, to the fans who love to see everything first, the organisers will be opening their doors one hour earlier than planned! Finally as usual, their drinks sponsor will be revealed on the day. A must go to event!/ Mila Doré

The term shoegaze was born out of the fact that first bands that played this style of thick distortion spent most of their concerts looking at the floor, aka their shoes, instead of the audience. Might it be they were just posing or was it just simple shyness? My Bloody Valentine’s timeless album “Loveless” set the bar for the movement and during the 90s, shoegaze was representative of teenage alienation and a cry for help. That being said, we are living in a country where half of the young people are on the dole, and looking for outlets to express their frustration. This all sounds like the perfect recipe for a revival. Grushenka seem to be the current flag bearers for this phenomenon and the number of people who dig their unique style of noise pop is ever growing. It’s visceral expression without ever falling back on clichés. I can get behind that./ Carles Bruguera Trans. by Trevor

Sicknife have baptised their own music as “neurotic sound”, but no need to panic. In their sessions, far from provoking mental disorders, what they transmit are incredibly good vibes. Bass, low frequency guitars, peculiar melodies that seem to palpitate in your ears and can make you, literally, dream with your feet. Auto-generated sound that Sicknife produces by recording with microphones or synthesizers and denote influences from arcade, synthpop or the 8bit. Tonight, the Café de Madeira will be hosting their live performance and additionally, they’ll be accompanied by the electroclash of Animal Neo and the minimalist Tech House of Danny Simmon. A night to leave all of your preoccupations, messes and various problems behind and enjoy this awesome set. Well, and whatever else may arise.../ Marc Pons Trans. by Marsha

For reasons that escape me, Muy Fellini have always been a little overlooked which is sadly normal for many of the city’s local groups. In fact, to prove this, it turns out that they released their second album, “La ciudad de las palmeras”, at the end of last year. And I didn’t even know. Doing a little research now, I see that Edu Ugarte and Juan Maravi traipsed around half of Europe in their day with Ken Springfellow of The Posies fame. That can be noted in “La ciudad de las palmeras”, a great album where the pop melodies sound more harmonious than ever before, where the rapport between vocals, drums, and guitar is tight. With what they’ve done, Muy Fellini should stop being as forgotten in the name of musical justice. Today marks a new opportunity for the band./ Iu Peña Trans. by Isaac

Henrik Ibsen is, for the world of theatre and literature in general, like a door behind which one finds a different perspective on oneself and others each time one opens it. This perspective is subtle and harsh but always perfectly formed. "Hedda Gabler" is the story of a woman who never relinquishes her desire to control the destiny of others and the game that this entails. Laia Marull returns to the stage under the direction of David Selvas, giving life to a character who, through not knowing how to act in her own life, has a dramatic and amoral influence on her environment. The balance between morals, self-esteem and expectations becomes a mirror for past and present society which requires the renunciation of oneself as a hallmark. This play now showing at the Lliure de Gràcia is already a resounding success./ Juan Carlos Romero Trans. by Julia

Here’s a band on a winning streak. These three young scholars produced their first EP by just piling their equipment together in a bedroom and recording a couple of raw cuts. Now their trademark seems to be popping up everywhere on the underground scene. It’s hard to imagine that these guys barely existed just a year ago. Victor, Xavier and Miquel’s debut EP, “Rome”, brilliantly fuses the driving push of Boards of Canada with Mogwai’s post-rock structuralism. While their dense crescendos can’t help but raise Fuck Buttons comparisons, Boreals’ live show is an ongoing evolutionary process in which new material might sprout up spontaneously. The fact that they haven’t been around for much doesn’t seem to be bothering anyone, seeing as how they recently got signed to Irregular. It’s not often one gets the opportunity to see so closely a band coming to terms with imminent fame, but when it does happen, it definitely worth checking out./ Iu Peña Trans. by Trevor

Proclaimed left-winger, nonconformist, and labelled on more than one occasion as a radical extremist, the ideology of Bertrand Tavernier, his vision of life and his meticulous sense of justice lead him in 1999 to direct an uncompromising social portrait in the form of a modern cinema classic. Ça Commence Aujourd’hui not only finished to a 30-minute round of applause at the Berlin Festival; it went on to receive international ovation and numerous prestigious awards, and excited and angered audiences in equal measure, becoming known as one of the most subversive films of modern times and earning itself a well-deserved niche in cinema history. A small sample of unfiltered cinema – beautiful, crude, heartrending, and anything but indifferent./ Eva A. Prats Trans. by Suky Taylor

Floor treatment fairs and comic fairs. Cinema fairs aimed at adults, fairs for everything related to sleep or for everything related to the hotel business. There are fairs of all shapes and sizes, but this one, for its name, concept and location, surprised us. A fair where the protagonists are children and which is set within the beautiful walls of FAD. Here you will find everything relating to the universe in which children operate (clothes, accessories, decorations and all manner of objects for the little ones of the household). It hosts brands such as Chispum, Tocoto Vintage, Suit Beibi and Al Agua Patos. Perhaps it’s an excuse for a present, or to give yourself a treat a la Peter Pan, or simply to discover just how the “little” world moves. See you there?/ Descalza Trans. by Julia

What do the following suggest to you? A journey on a city bus; one or several night-time visions; orange sharks; and the invasion of Poland. If you’re not quite sure, what they all have in common is their publication in a quarterly autobiographical comic. And now, their presentation in its accompanying fanzine, Jardín, displayed entirely on the wall of Fatbottom. A unique piece of art with a title – ”Why a Garden and not a Boat, an Apricot or a Goldfish Bowl” – that’s as poignant as the exhibition itself… But there’s more, much more, like the participatory proposition What For, which is the cherry on the irresistible cake. And all this from the talents of Rafa Castañer, who needs his art to orchestrate his thoughts and give free rein to all his ideas./ Beatriz Corral Trans. by Suky Taylor

Fight the cold... with noise! Fight these days when it seems like the whole world is freezing, get inside a little venue (if only for some body heat), let it all hang loose and start bouncing around like a madman. The perfect excuse to do all this will be when The Men come by for a gig. While they could have come straight out of the punk wave of the 70's they're from the here and now and throw a little krautrock into the mix as well as other sanity-shredding riffs. The guys have a few years of albums and tours under their belts and they've refined their savage live show to give Fucked Up or Les Savy Fav a serious run for their money on who's the craziest. Only appropriate for open minds and lovers of extreme sound./ Leo Altés Trans. by Don Vito

February 8th to 11th is a must for fans of electronic music. For the third time around, MicroMutek presents us with a selection of emerging artisits of the electronic scene and Catalan and Spanish music; among them Santiago Latorre, author of one of the best albums of 2011, Nikka, Alba G. Corral, Guillamino and Marc Piñol. Even better, there will also be foreign artists present, some of whom come for the first time, such as Falty DL. The sonorous soundscapes of Vladislav Delay will be present as well, introducing his latest album, and so will be Theo Parrish himself with his fire-cracking, techno sound, made in Detroit for the glorious closing act of this issue. The varied program selection is a sure shot to please most everyone. Don’t miss the MicroMutek, you'll have plenty to choose from./ Santi Gila Saurat Trans. by Nina

Oddly enough, anime is part of each and every one of us. Because, even if only in childhood, we all enjoyed, learnt and grew up with cartoons and series like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Mazinger Z, and Heidio Death Note. However, coming up with each of these anime is not as easy as it might seem. The search for the scenarios and spaces, and the creation of characters and cartoons require incredibly laborious work for each shot. Work that is really difficult to appreciate and comprehend, but from today we can begin to do so thanks to the unpublished sketches works of artists like Hideaki Anno, and Hiromasa Ogura Higami Haruhiko. A unique opportunity to know these prototypical universes that have given us so much over the years./ Lorena Pedre Trans. by María Buendía

Looking back, looking at Craigslist and Loquo, we ought to have known that not only could sharing online be done much more attractively, but its popularity would grow and grow as people's ever-decreasing resources would lead them to take advantage of what they have. Well, Joe Gebbia, Brian Chesky and Nate Blecharczyk beat us all to it, and how. Names you might not recognise, but whose room-renting website Airbnb has blown up over the past year, and whose progressive positioning and sexy stylings gives Google and Apple a run for their money. Inevitably, a traveller's town like Barna has become a hub, and said entrepreneurs are throwing us all a party this Wednesday to celebrate. Aside from the educational aspects of the event, they're offering free Master's Gin, branded goodies and tunes by local tastemakers. And surely there'll be no shortage of places to lay your head down at the end of the night./ Nona Vilar

You’ve got to admire the survivors in life. The people who just keep on going, no matter what shit gets stuck under their feet. After all, if everybody just gave up at the first sign of difficulty, where would we be? Probably still living in caves. So let’s hear it for Tom Barman. Musician, writer, film director, personal hero and all round genius, he’s back with his band dEUS and an ace new album. Having gone through a Spinal Tap-esque 13 musicians, survived a 5 year hiatus, written a dance album and directed a film, you surely can’t begrudge him a moment in the spotlight. After all, it was he who blazed a trail for super cool, European indie bands and put Belgium on the musical map – something 2 Many DJ’s are very, very thankful for. 18 years are a long time to be doing something, but I’m glad they’re still going strong. You should be to./ Derek Robertson

An essential book for everyone who loves fashion, femininity and fetishes. A carefully edited edition, with more than 300 images from artists such as Guy Bourdin, Juergen Teller, David LaChapelle, Martin Parr, Elliott Erwitt and Matthew Barney, among others. Suggestive photographs that are interspersed with the texts of two of today's leading specialists in footwear: Manolo Blahnik and Nicholas Kirkwood. The introduction by the editor Ivan Vartanian is an exploration of this cult fetish which ends up covering various trends within the world of photography and fashion. Among others, aesthetic topics such as high heels are covered, as well as the influence of new technologies on more daring designs. An evocative journey through beauty, luxury and seduction./ Vir Trans. by Nina

Let's be honest: going out to have a glass of wine has always sounded a little "snobby." It is true, though, that in other parts of the peninsula it’s the most common thing there is. However, in the area we are in, we usually leave the wine-drinking part for dinner with friends or for people who want to impress their spouses. But this all changes now. The Disset Graus has decided to open a wine bar oriented towards local youth, which is why they came up with and an extremely varied menu including international and Catalan wines, plus cocktails and gin and tonics (of course). And to make sure all this good stuff doesn’t go to our heads too much and too fast, we get to accompany the assortment with some of the tapas they offer. They’ve also taken great care of the place’s design and musical selection, which is provided via ScannerFM. So this weekend, it’s all about the wine, don’t you agree?/ Mila Doré Trans. by Nina

Those of us not quite old enough to remember the Second Summer of Love (which I’m guessing would be, ahem, most of us) apparently missed quite a party. Luckily for us, just like Garage Rock, punk, and disco before, the Acid House revival is in full swing, and Raf Rundell and (Hot Chip’s) Joe Goddard have dropped an album big on love, big on nostalgia, and big on buen rollo. They may well be raiding the past, but when nostalgia is done with this much reverence and affection, who cares whether it’s cool or not? It’s the tunes, stupid! As a playful re-imaging of rave and Chicago House – and crucially, never takes itself too seriously – it’s hard to fault, and “Be Strong” is an infectious, enjoyable homage to party music from more optimistic times. As the shit truly hits the fan in 2012, perhaps that’s exactly what we need. See you on the dance floor./ Derek Robertson

le cool is a free weekly magazine featuring a selection of cultural events and leisure activities, revealing what is worthwhile and the things that you really should not miss. We filter out the best exhibitions, movies, concerts & DJs as well as a careful selection of extraordinary bars, restaurants and other fine places.
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