COMPILADO 2006

The first of Espiritu's free download samplers adds sound to the myth that is Espiritu. At least for those of us not living in Argentine. This sampler is an excellent idea and an excellent download so please go ahead and download it while you are reading this review.

It is obvious that both Genesis and Yes are big influences on Espiritu. The first song Imágenes tenues y transparentes starts as a Genesis song and then continues as an Yes song. Though with some added local flavours like an over enthusiastic vocalist. Well, it is a track from a live album after all. On the subsequent tracks, it is clear that the likes of Premiata Forneria Marconi and the rest of the melodic RPI scene has influenced Espiritu. A song like Lento juego de luces could had gone straight into a PFM album and been quite an asset for that album. In short, Espiritu is quite a catch if you like melodic, lyrical symphonic prog and/or RPI.

I am quite taken by the oldest song on this compilation album. They are all great. The newer stuff........ well, I am not won over. The sound too leaves a lot to be desired. But this compilation leaves no doubts that Espiritu was a brilliant band in their best days. I think this is a great download and an excellent historical document on a band which would had wiped the floor with most bands if they had been based in England. But Argentine, it was.

A recommended free download for those who loves symphonic prog and want to discover one of the great bands from this scene.

3.5 stars