FUERA DE TIEMPO

Rockaphonica is an Argentinean instrumental quartet led by flutist Ricardo Luna: the symphonic trend in both composition and delivery is made abundantly clear, preferentially leaning toward the most lyrical and relaxing aspect of the genre. The melodic ideas are well-focused and the rhythmic arrangements show big dynamics and a moderate use of complexity. Main influences are Focus' softer side and classic Camel (without guitar but with lots of Bardens-inspired keyboard inputs); confluences with Solaris and 90s-era Lito Vitale are also worht mentioning as points of reference. With Luna as the main writer and the main soloist performer, it is no wonder that his instrument is heavily featured in the mix; on the other hand, keyboardist Bonelli shares the limelight many times, not only when he solos bit also when the synth orchestrations carry out certain climaxes. This album ws recorded between late 2004 and early 2005, but it was only in mid-2006 that Viajero Inmóvil could eventually release it. The albums kicks off with the captivatingly punchy 'Crimen y Pasión', a really joyful piece in which all instruments create a perfect marriage of melody and mood. 'Fat Dreams', the onely Bonelli-penned piece, takes us to a more relaxing ambience over a slow 3/4 tempo: there is a subtle tango-fusion aura to the piece's global arrangement (this factor relatively reminds me of comaptriot band Tánger), but the symphonic element remains dominant. 'Fantasmas' brings back the punch that had been inflicted to the opener, only this time it is delivered in a more suave manner: the bucolic aspect is easily noticeable, which is probably due to the addition of tango and Celtic details in the main motif's arrangement. There is much Bardens influence in the synth solo that emerges at 1'30, as well as in the stylish ghostly ornaments in the brief interludes. This piece is a particular fave of mine, together with the follower 'Balada de los Antartes'. This one is the longest, during 8+ minutes. The band explores its bombastic side with enthusiasm and elegance, even including a lead guitar performed by a guest musician. Even though I regret that the coda hadn't been solved in a more determined way, I still regard this number as an album's highlight. 'Catéter' is similar in spirit to 'Fantasmas', only with a gentler mood and some soft hints to classic Jethro Tull. 'Aceitunas' is a joyful Celtic adventure with some extra Arabic ornaments: this one wouldnot nahe vbeen out of place in Oldfield's QE2. The album ends with three Camel covers, naturally selected to reinforce Luna's leading role. They are proficiently performed, but they certainly do not add anything new: maybe they should have tried more original material to fill up the album's repertoire. Anyway, this is what it is - "Fuera de Tiempo" is a delicious example of current symphonic prog. While not being essential IMHO, I recommend Rockaphonica's music as part of any good symphonic prog collection.