ALUX NAHUAL

First review of the first album of the first Guatemalan band in PA! Well, Alux Nahual (that's Spirit of the Goblin in mayan language) made their debut in 1981 and quickly became one of the most succesfull bands in the country. Their unique musical style completely separated them from the rest of the bands at the time, but far from getting disregarded by the public they attained a massive following of fans and admirers from all over Central America. Their distinctive approach to music is what makes them so very hard to categorize. Even though they are included in Crossover Prog, I would rather describe their sound as Prog Folk but that's just my opinion. Alux Nahual is really a fusion of different genres and styles blending rock music with mayan folk, blues, flamenco and many others.

The album opens with the instrumental "Cola de Golondrina", a fiery piece filled with violin and acoustic guitar that shows the great talent of all the members. "A Ti" and "Un Poco de Paz" are both sung numbers and both display the folkier side of the band. The first gem of the album comes then with "Un minuto de Ilusion". All the instruments blend togheter perfectly to create great memorable melodies until the very end. The next song, "La Fabula del Grillo y el Mar" is simple in structure but it's beauty lies in the story it tells and the message one can learn from it. Finally, the last two pieces "Posada" and "Hombres de Maiz" bring the album to it's climax. The first one is slower and melacholic but perfectly executed. The later being the apex of the album, with high speed playing, swift tempo changes and wonderfull atmosphere. The best way to close the album. The only thing I regret is the raw sound quality of the recording but even so, it doesn't take away anything from the music.

If you want to get to know the band this would be the ideal place to start. I highly recommend it to Prog Folkers but Alux Nahual has a particular way of pleasing anyone, no matter what type of music they listen to.