Madrid-based rock group Pereza was formed in the late '90s. Both guitarist Ruben and bassist Leiva were experienced musicians at the time of Pereza's formation: Ruben was a former member of Buenos Noches Rose, and Leiva was formerly of Malahierba. Subsequently, the band hit the ground running, and early releases established a strong grassroots fan base, which attracted RCA's attention. It wasn't until Pereza's third major-label release, Animales, that the group caught the greater public's attention; recorded in the winter months of 2004 in Madrid, the record was produced by Nigel Walter and was released in 2005 to an enthusiastic audience. On its heels came Los Amigos de los Animales, a record featuring collaborations with fellow rock en español trailblazers Deluxe, Los Delinquentes, Ivan Ferreiro, and Pastora, among others. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez