MANTRA

A few months ago I stumbled upon the Spanish website 5Lunas: "We focus primarily on music Made In Andalusia and, in a special way, Andalusian rock born in The Seventies, and current groups that follow in its wake." I took a dive into the Shop section, what a mouthwatering cascade of Rock Andaluz bands I noticed, old and new, so many I didn't know about. I ordered six interesting albums by six different bands, the only one that is on Prog Archives is the eponymous CD by Mantra (the recordings are from 1979). This CD was the #3 release in 2012 by the Asociacion Cultural Arabiand Rock, with great passion it is digging for never released early Rock Andaluz footage ('Colección Música Inédita De Rock Andaluz'), the other two are Khorus with Suite (1975) and Expression (pre-Mezquita) with El Esiabon Omeya (1972-1977).

During my first listening session I was blown away by Mantra, what an excellent exciting blend of Rock Andaluz and jazzrock.

1. Sanlúcar (5:10) : The first and final part feature a mellow atmosphere with soaring strings. In between very dynamic and powerful jazzrock with obvious Rock Andaluz hints (reminding me of Iman) featuring powerful guitar (including biting wah-wah) and spectacular Minimoog flights. This is embellished with string-ensemble and Fender Rhodes electric piano, and fuelled by an awesome rhythm-section, wow, more!

2. Bajo La Sombra De Un Ciprés (9:35) : From a mid-tempo with electric piano and clavinet in an Iman-like jazzrock climate to a slow rhythm with sparkling Minimoog. And from a long and moving guitar solo with howling and fiery runs to a Rock Andaluz inspired final part with amazing interplay.

3. Acantilado (5:36) : This track delivers sensational Jan-Hammer like pitchbend driven Minimoog flights, fiery guitar work, the atmosphere is very dynamic and propulsive, Seventies Al DiMeola comes to my mind, impressive! Remarkable is an interlude with powerful, slightly expressive Spanish vocals (not typical flamenco), the only track that contains vocals.

4. Sacramonte (11:06) : The long intro contains an atmospheric climate with Fender electric piano, volume pedal guitar play and synthesizer sounds. Then powerful and swinging Rock Andaluz like Iman and Mezquita, again the interplay and rhythm-section are amazing. The second part with fiery guitar and flashy Minimoog evoke Al DiMeola and Mahavishnu Orchestra, exciting jazzrock, what a skilled musicians.

5. Arco Iris (4:35) : First a swinging rhythm with strong interplay, then a slow rhythm featuring sensitive electric guitar work, blended with the soaring sound of the string-ensemble, and finally a powerful accellaration and a short drum solo.

6. Mantra (11:13) : Finally the epic titletrack, it showcases Mantra in its full splendor! The intro with twanging electric guitars, dreamy volume pedal guitar and synthesizer beeps and bleeps brings Xanadu by Rush on my mind. Then lots of shifting moods, sensational eruptions and breaks, topped with exciting work on Minimoog (like Jan Hammer), also duelling with a harder-edged guitar, and fuelled by a swirling rhythm-section. The climates range from typical Rock Andaluz to jazzrock inspired by Al Di Meola and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Finaly the music turns to mellow with a moving guitar solo, supported by the wonderful sound of the string-ensemble. Another dynamic and exciting composition!

As a Rock Andaluz aficionado since the late Seventies I can tell you that this Mantra album can compete with the best Rock Andaluz from the Seventies and Eighties. But I am also sure that it will please jazzrock fans, wow, what a gem, highly recommended!

P.s.: My new Rock Andaluz recommendations (all available at 5Lunas) are Anairt, Sherish, Qamar, Grande Cruz, Taifa, Arabiga and Zaguan.