A + B

This band is from Porto Alegre, a municipality at the Southern region of Brazil. Some good prog bands are arising there lately, and most of them has a fusion edge. Among them all, the album I most recommend is this one. You can here Mahavishnu Orchestra influences, and also the italian band Freeway Jam.

First of all I'll write the translation of the track titles to english. 1. Biotônico Ferreira 2. Astral Hell 3. Free Flight pt. 1 4. Free Flight pt. 2 5. 8:59AM 6. The Gambiarra [originally La Gambiarra] 7. Caffeinated Samba The first and sixth' are untranslatable, I think its worth explaining why. Biotônico Fontoura is a strengthening medicine brand that exists on Brazil since 1910. It became very popular from decades 1930 to 1970, almost acquiring among many people an image of having a "magic" power to cure indisposition. Well, Ferreira is one of the members of the band, and that's enough for the reader to make your own conclusions. Gambiarra is a colloquial word used by brazilian folks that means an improvised solution for an emergencial and unexpected situation. It is usually used when making funny statements or appointmemts.

Now for the analysis of the songs.

The album is totally instrumental. First track delivers a lot of energy and amazing rythym harmonies. Great variety of tunes, gathered on consistent and clear directions. A superb opener. Even though it's very short, with less than 2min, before it ends they perform some interesting electronic stuff.

Bass gets more proeminent on 2nd track, defining the main structure on many parts and performing interesting effects. Guitar can go from smooth to penetrating to psychedelic notes without loosing the main ideas. Drums have similar qualities, but I'd rather describe its participation by writing that his highlights are the combination of cymbals/snare drums, and the domain of switches between slow and fast moves. It seems to my ears there's a sax, but I couldn't confirm. It adds a bit different sound for some notes and harmonies.

3rd and 4th tracks make part of the same song and have a lot of cohesion. On their youtube channel they are displayed as one track. So, that's how I'll analyze it. The whole composition is very meditative, not in an esoteric way, but more in a psychological and sensitive context. Short notes on guitar that seems to echo throughout the song; drum improves into a smoother jazz spirit. All is sewn with a cello that makes a great tapestry of bass tunes. On its middle, they gradual and gently upgrade some tones, as if they've decided to fly higher on the composition. On most part of the second half, they bring the main smooth idea to the frontline, but with no hurry and with an introspective feeling.

The acoustic guitar on "08;59AM" performs some fluid and nice tunes. They get a little repetitive on the second half, but that is relatively compensated by some subtle changes of tone.

Next track begins with some soft jazz-rock that assumes a latin flavour before it reaches its half. Some interesting sound effects are executed on the second half, when it becomes more rock n roll.

Last track is a dynamic interpretation for some samba tunes. with more complex and liberty on the execution than it's usual for this musical genre. Well, I hear samba so much against my will, because of the city I live, but in despite of that I consider it a very good song.

4.1 on a 5 star scale. This high degree stands specially for tracks 1 to 4