RAÍCES

Govea is a Mexican trio composed by trained and talented musicians, who I've been following lately; the reasons are simple: their music is great. First was their debut album 'Danza Urbana' the one that caught my attention with its great compositions inspired by some old monsters such as ELP, but with an original and own sound. Now, after two years they released their second album, with a change in the lineup because drummer Baldovinos left the band, but now he is wonderfully replaced by Pedro Galindo.

This new album is entitled 'Ra'ces', and I had the luck of witnessing it in its entirety (well, almost) in a concert three weeks ago, and believe me, Govea is a great band. So this new baby is composed by seven compositions that make a total time of 47 minutes, in which you will listen to instrumental music made by a keyboard-bass-drums combo. If you want a quick label, then I say Govea plays symphonic prog, with some jazz fusion hints.

The album opens with 'En busca de la ra'z', which starts fast with keyboards as leader, but with an excellent musicianship. The symphonic reminiscences are obvious, but as I mentioned above, we can also listen to some jazzy touches. The song progresses little by little, until at minute two and a half there is a change, an atmospheric synth appears as background while bass and keys play the same notes; this passage is pretty good, with a kind of drama film feeling. Later, the song keeps developing and creating different inner passages.

The name of 'Intersecciones' may sound known, because in their debut album it was included, but this time this is an alternative version. It starts with repetitive bass and keys, while the drummer shows off himself and plays different figures, simulating a solo. After almost three minutes of this kind of jam, we could say that the song actually starts. This song has a great melody, a wonderful structure that allows the three musicians to being noticed by their talent.

'Retablo Medieval' is a movement from 'Concertino para piano y orquesta', a composition by mexican musician Miguel Bernal Jimenez, and yes, in their debut album Govea also took a movement from this same piece. This time they give us almost ten minutes of this wonderful adaptation. Their classical music roots can be appreciated here, along with that clear symphonic sound, created mainly by keyboards. The rhythm is great, catching the listener's attention since the first moments and creating a vertiginous sound. Three minutes later the song slows down and the band seems to be preparing something new and exciting, and that is a long keyboard solo which is not really bombastic, but that maintains the attention. There is a stop, and then an organ appears for some seconds, only to open the gates to the song's first and original sound. Before the eighth minute, drums and keys disappear and only the bass remains. This is a wonderful piece!

'Formas Primordiales' is the shortest track of the album. A dynamic track with an addictive sound, once again, led by keyboards, full of keyboards, actually. The next track is entitled 'Neoc'rtex' and it is a clear example of why the word fusion works good for Govea. The symphonic prog element does not really exist here, instead, a jazzy and experimental sound with an awesome bass, great percussion and cool keyboards appears. This may be the song that does not really sound like previous Govea tracks sound (with previous, I also include the ones from the debut); and this may also be one of my favorites.

'Ciclo de vida y muerte' is a mid-tempo track with a constant rhythm which allows the band creating several figures with their respective instruments, and though there are apparently keyboard solos, they don't really stands apart of the band, I mean, the three have the same importance, which makes the music stronger. And the album finishes with 'Duelo', which is divided in three parts (P'rdida; Depresi'n y Furia; Evocaci'n). In this song we can once again appreciate the exquisiteness of the band, their wonderful skills as composers and performers. I love the structure, its changes in mood and tempo, the balance and the harmonies. My favorite part is the last one, before reaching the seventh minute when bass appears and the music flows little by little, until it fades out.

Govea has not let me down so far, their music is great and a clear example that here in Mexico we have high-quality prog rock, now I invite you, who are reading me, to buy their music, you will not regret.

Enjoy it!

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