TRIZ

Brazilian composer Alexandre Loureiro was born in 1967 in Rio de Janeiro.Parallel to his courses as an electronic technician, he studied music at the Villa-Lobos School of Music, where he started getting in touch with 70's music.In late-80's he started composing original material, while soon he became involved in various local groups such as Raika and Turangalila and worked as a professional musician.He even worked as an actor, before returning to university during the 90's to take courses on composition.From 1997 and on he focused on recording his own music, a process which lasted over 6 years with pieces being recorded in various studios and with the help of numerous musicians.Finally in 2004, having already adapted the nickname of Alexl, his sole album ''Triz'' saw the light on Musea Records.

Six years of hard and patient work were eventually translated into a lovely Progressive Rock album with strong inspirations from Classical and Folk Music, using an army of musicians, who could handle different string and wind instruments and building the sound on the principles of 70's Progressive Rock with leading instruments being the bass, guitar, drums and keyboards.Alexl's only release reminds me of his compatriots TERRENO BALDIO, a group heavily influenced by GENTLE GIANT, as the music is based on elaborate acoustic lines, polyphonic harmonies, gentle keyboard textures and complicated instrumentals.The traditional elements are more than evident through these acoustic textures , the use of flutes, xylophone and violins and the creation of rural textures.But Alexl delivers also a strong essence of Chamber Music through series of string and wind sections, where the Progressive Rock attitude is still present through the bass and drum executions.His most complicated ideas are reminiscent of YES: Tricky keyboard themes, massive electroacoustic changes, angular use of electric piano and synthesizers and endless breaks from melodious moves to chaotic instrumental forces with technical yet convincing plays.Great arrangements with a rich instrumental enviroment and even some light jazzy vibes here and there, while even the multi-vocal parts are worked to the last detail.

An impressive work along the lines of GENTLE GIANT, containing the true spirit of progressive music.Strongly recommended to say the least...3.5 stars.