ÁRABE

Andalucía is the region from Spain which was under Muslim influence during several centuries. They were kicked out during the Reconquista episode and came to an end in 1492. OK. What the heck are you asking?

Well, Medina Azahara is a band coming from Córdoba (Andalucía), and they incorporated several Middle-Eastern influences in this recording; noticeable in this work (Bidajah, Favorita De Un Sultán, Todo Está Escrito).

The band has released several albums that were heading the pop-rock edges, often tinted with some typical eighties synthetic sound. It is also the case in this Árabe (Hay Un Lugar and Dudas won't be remembered as great prog songs, for sure).

Some fine ballads: an electric one (No Está sola) and a mellow acoustic one (Un Año De Amor) with a very pleasant and sweet guitar part. I wouldn't tell you that we are confronted with a superb album, but at least it sounds better than some of their prior releases. This is mainly due to the integration of these Oriental savours; which are at times also combined with some very good work from Francisco Ventura, their guitar player.

But I already mentioned that whoever holds this instrument, the same feeling prevails (even if I had a particular attraction for Miguel Galán, one of the founding member who has unfortunately left the band). This instrument saves the job in the rather childish and poor Solos Tu Y Yo. Unfortunately, Es Impossible (rightly titled!) couldn't be prevented from the wreck. Press next.

Their straight Spanish rock can also be experienced; but I suppose that a song like Delirios de Grandeza won't appeal any proghead on earth. As usual, some songs are also on a harder edge (Qué Tengas Mucha Suerte). In all, this album is not a major improvement in comparison with Dónde Esta la Luz or Sin Tiempo which were their two previous albums.

Don't expect too much prog in here (which is quite low on any prog scale, not only mine). This album started more promisingly that what is effectively contained on this CD. The closing song Nihajah ends this album as Bidajah opened it: on a pure Middle-eastern short track.

There are even several added songs on a second CD. They shouldn't have bothered IMO. Same stuff, unless you are interested by a Spanish version of one of the greatest songs from the Stones (Paint It, Black) during which the flamenco guitar replaces the sitar. I'm quite conventional on the subject.

Rating is two stars.