MASCARAS URBANAS

I have the weakness of liking bands such as "Neuschwanstein", "The Watch" (or "Night Watch"), "Citizen Cain", "Mangala Vallis" etc. I guess you have the idea. I am usually rather indulgent with such bands when they release good work.

Although the titles of this album are all in Spanish, only some songs are sung in this language. And it is a good news, because to have a Gabriel-like vocals into Spanish is probably not the best you can expect. Just listen to the weak "Peregrinos Del Tiempo" and "Escapando De Mi Imaginación" to be convinced.

The title song and opening number though is slightly better (even if Spanish is used). So, don't be afraid, this album is sung into English and the guy (Ignacio Rodriguez) is not bad at all in this exercise when he does so. I admit, although the musicianship is good, that the compositions are not really strong throughout his album. It is just pleasant work (or irritating if you are allergic to such bands).

The best song of this album is "Momo". A travel through "Cinema Show" and "Dancing Out". I guess that this track is as good as you will ever get from such a band. Very, very close to a genuine Genesis song. But one great song does not make a good album, right ? "Vientos Del Este" is also pleasant as the spacey "La Tierra Del Pecado".

If, like me, you are nostalgic of that era, I would recommend that you'd better stick to the other bands I have mentioned above. They are better than "Rael". Two stars for this album.