Intro
When discussing Spanish alternative rock in the 2000s, one band comes up again and again: The Unfinished Sympathy. Born in Barcelona, they became a cult favorite across Europe thanks to their intense live shows, raw sound, and Eric Fuentes' unmistakable voice and songwriting. Praised by critics and adored by fans, the group stood out as one of the most authentic acts of their era.
Now, years after those early days of constant touring and recording, frontman Eric Fuentes remains as restless as ever. Splitting his time between songwriting, producing, and new projects, he hasn't lost his sharp ear for truth in music. Speaking from his new home in northern Catalonia, Fuentes reflects on his journey, the meaning of imperfection in art, and why The Unfinished Sympathy still resonates with fans.
From Barcelona to the World
The Unfinished Sympathy formed in 2000 and quickly built a reputation as one of Spain's most exciting exports. They were among the first Spanish bands to record a Peel Session for BBC Radio 1, and their relentless energy earned them tours with bands like Bad Religion, Foo Fighters, and Jimmy Eat World. Their mix of indie rock urgency with post-hardcore grit connected deeply with audiences hungry for something real.
For Fuentes, those years were both exhausting and defining. "We were just kids who wanted to make noise and connect," he recalls. "If people still remember, it means the songs mattered. That's enough for me."
Q&A Highlights
Leerecs: Where are you these days?
Eric Fuentes: I'm here in Barcelona... well, not exactly. I just moved closer to Girona, in northern Catalonia. I'm living in a country house now, which is a big change, but it feels right.
Leerecs: Your music always had a raw, fearless edge. Was that intentional?
Eric Fuentes: Always. I never wanted polish for its own sake. Imperfections make the music breathe — they're part of what makes it human.
Leerecs: Do you think that rawness is what made The Unfinished Sympathy stand apart?
Eric Fuentes: Maybe. At the time, a lot of bands were chasing perfect production. We wanted emotion more than perfection. To capture something that felt alive.
Leerecs: Fans often call the band "legendary." How does that feel?
Eric Fuentes: (laughs) I don't think about it that way. We were just living our lives, writing songs, traveling, playing small clubs and festivals. Legendary is a big word. But if the music touched people deeply, that's the only legacy that matters.
Leerecs: Looking back, is there a moment that defined the band for you?
Eric Fuentes: Recording the Peel Session in London. We were nervous, but also proud — it was recognition that what we were doing mattered outside Spain. That still feels surreal.
Life After The Band
Though The Unfinished Sympathy disbanded in the early 2010s, Eric has never stopped making music. His solo records continue the spirit of restless exploration, mixing alternative rock with personal, confessional songwriting. Beyond performing, he's also become a mentor and collaborator for younger bands in Spain, helping shape the next wave of independent musicians.
His move to the Catalonian countryside represents a new chapter — quieter, but still fueled by the same creative fire. "I'm not chasing fame. I just want to write honest songs," he says.
Legacy & Influence
The Unfinished Sympathy may not have topped charts, but their influence rippled far beyond their discography. They opened doors for Spanish alternative bands to tour internationally, proved that language barriers could be broken with sincerity, and left a catalog of albums that still sound urgent today.
Fuentes remains humble about it all. "We never thought of ourselves as trailblazers," he admits. "We just loved music too much to do anything else."
Closing + CTA
From sweaty Barcelona basements to international stages, The Unfinished Sympathy embodied what independent music is about: honesty, energy, and connection. Eric Fuentes continues to carry that torch, reminding us that imperfection is what makes music timeless.
Want to support independent artists like Eric? Explore exclusive tapes, vinyl, and on-demand merch in the Leerecs Shop (https://leerecs.shop/index.php?action=product)