Hardcore rarely takes root in southern Spain, but Verbal Behavior are intent on shifting that perception.
The band pulls members from Málaga and Jerez, two of the most active punk and hardcore hubs in Andalusia, even if “active” looks different there than in bigger European cities. “We all come from hardcore, punk, and Oi bands in our local scenes,” bassist Fede explains, noting that the project came together after he had a batch of songs ready and started approaching to friends to bring them to life.
That initial idea rapidly turned into something more defined. When the lineup was locked in—comprised of longtime scene veterans, many of whom have been playing together for years among different bands—there was a realization that formed the band’s identity. “We’ve all been straight edge for more than 20 years,” Fede says. “So this had to be the first straight edge band from Andalusia.”
Verbal Behavior draws from classic Boston and New York hardcore, taking cues from SSD, DYS, Warzone, Cro-Mags, and Agnostic Front, as well as later bands like Mental, Righteous Jams, and No Tolerance. Their aim is not to recreate the past but to channel the energy and the unity that defined those scenes. “I’d like us to sound like a band that could play CBGBs, where punks, skinheads, and straight edge kids can all sing along together,” Fede says.
Their debut LP, What Matters, brings those influences into focus. The 12 tracks are divided between English and Spanish, a choice which reflects both the band's roots and their community. “It’s important for us because we know the lyrics connect better with the people around us that way,” Fede explains.
Fede often writes lyrics in English first, inspired by the music he grew up with, before translating some into Spanish. The result is a record that connects global hardcore with a distinctly local voice.
Recording What Matters was a process partly determined by geography. Drums were tracked in Málaga with Jeff Mallow, while instruments and vocals came together in Jerez with Rafa Camisón, who has been central to the city’s punk and hardcore output. Fede also brought in material from his other project, Sand and Salt, reworking older ideas to fit the band’s current vision. Mastering by Mass Giorgini in the U.S. gave the album a clean finish while retaining its natural energy.
Verbal Behavior’s roots are molded by the struggles of growing up in southern Spain, where access to records and scenes was limited. “We didn’t have the same access as places like Barcelona or Madrid,” Fede says. In Málaga, tourism brought new sounds, while in Jerez, a nearby U.S. Navy base helped records circulate through informal networks. Scenes here developed on their own terms, far from hardcore’s usual centers.
Those scenes continue to shift. Málaga now has a growing metalcore and beatdown presence, with bands like Times of War, Not Your Business, Project Human, and Self-Made leading the way. Jerez remains diverse, producing everything from melodic hardcore to emo and punk. Fede notes the increase in shows and local initiatives, including an annual festival the band organizes.
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What Matters will be coming out on vinyl later this year.
Verbal Behavior on social media: Instagram
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