ART ROCK

Lei Seca was a Brazilian band that later on became Tarkus and after an album they spli into two bands: second Tarkus incarnation and Family Free Rock. Art Rock (1999) is their second album and besides the ridiculous artwork in the cover and in the inlay (where the band members appear as D&D RPG characters) we have some good music in here.

'Krakatoa' is a 16'17 minutes suite divided into eleven different parts that pretty much shows the love of Valdir Zamboni (guitars and vocals) by Devil Doll (later even more explicit in Tarkus and Family Free Rock albums). Lei Seca used to interpret their own music as Art Rock (just as the name of the album states), but in fact they fall pretty much in the Symphonic umbrella.

'Amadeus I' is a folk-driven song with acoustic guitars and mandolin. A very good track. 'Lei Seca II' is yeat another suite, this time divided into six parts in its 10'12 minutes. Cesar Frezzato's drums has a very weak sound throughout the album and end up compromising his performance. Not just that, Valdir Guimarães bass playing isn't good too, sometimes even out of tune in his solo tries. Much of their music is based in Mickey Nicolas' keyboards and in the excellent Valdir Zamboni guitars.

Then we have another three tracks in Art Rock (1999): 'Amadeus II' that follows the same steps as the first part, even in the melody. Although it changes the pace towards the middle including a very weak bass solo, amateur style. Then 'Sr. Walker', another good folk moment with nice synths that reminded me some ELP moments. 'Keep The Koram II' closes the album somewhat like 'Abaddon's Bolero from ELP's Trilogy (1972) album, but with guitars.

Art Rock (1999) is a good album that was released by Medusa Records almost 15 years ago. But don't expect any classic.

Key tracks: Krakatoa, Amadeus I & Lei Seca II