RECUERDOS DE MI TIERRA

Although the alleged influence here is Crimson, I hear solo Wakeman, and even a bit of Gentle Giant, plus some other influences that I can't quite put my finger on. The last of which is a good thing, because it means that, unlike many other European (mostly Italian) prog bands I've been listening to recently and reviewing, Mezquita is able to "channel" their influences and create something different, even unusual, if not quite entirely new. On most tracks, their modus operandi seems to be playing a slightly extended section of influenced but interesting prog-rock, then segueing into a more "normal" Spanish- (and sometimes Arabic-) flavored vocal segment, then ending with another short prog-rock section. And although these sections don't always segue well (though most do) - and although the prog-rock sections sometimes seem a bit aimless - it is hard not to like these guys, if only because the blend of prog-rock and Spanish/Arabic-influenced music is so interesting, and because they seem to be having so much fun putting it all together. (Another drawback is that, like so many of the European prog bands I've been reviewing lately, Mezquita does not have a compelling vocalist - though unlike many of those other bands, it doesn't have quite the level of negative effect here.) This is another case in which I would award an additional half-star if I could. I look forward to hearing more from these guys.