PERPETUUM KARMA

it took me quite a long time to get Perpetuum Karma. After all, Angentina´s best known prog act of today had lost their charismatic singer Mariela Gonzales and many people claimedt they could never beat their previous CD Metanoia. Well, I was not all that fond of Metanoia, a good album indeed, but not that great in my opinion. But I read some glowing reviews about Perptuum Karma and I was really tempted to get it chance. Thank god I did! It´s really outstannding!

The group has done a fine job mixing old school symphonic prog (in the vein of ELP, mainly) with some more modern elements. The resulting album is highly successful in bringing a music that is at the same time highly familiar and still quite unique. Those guys were quite inspired and the playing is simply terrific. Ok, it is not an easy listening album. It takes some time to really sink in. But there is no way to deny their incredible musicanship, their tasteful arrangements and strong songwriting. The vocals are the only weak part of this CD, but I guess they wanted it that way: soft and warm, and not very much. Besides, with a musical tapestry like that, vocals are almost unnecessary. This is mostly an instrumental album.

I really love the way they use the Hammond organ (strong Keith Emerson influence, of course) and Carlos Lucena guitar work is just superb. The rhythm section is also very good providing a great support to the mains instruments. The production is very good with a very well balanced sound that captures well their classic style through today´s studio facilities and advantages. It´s over 70 minutes long, but it won´t bore you a second!

If you´re into classic symphonic prog of the 70´s, this is a must have. Perpetuum Karma is great musical trip. I think it surpassed easily their earlier effords, good as those CDs were. Final rating, something between 4 and 4,5 stars. Highly recommended.