FLOR DE LOTO

This is unique progressive rock from Peru, it sounds as a pleasant combination of ethnic music (mainly flutes) and rock music (electric guitar), sometimes with echoes from Los Jaivas but without keyboards and harder-edged. The rhythm-section plays fluent and adventurous, the interplay between the flutes (pan - and traverse flute) and the guitar is strong. The compositions deliver lots of shifting moods and some splendid build-ups. My only negative remark concerns the atmospheres in the songs, these are often similar because the emphasis is, in my opinion, a bit too much on the flutes and guitar. But the electric guitar work is great, from sensitive and bluesy to fiery and heavy, the influences range from Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to Jimmy Page and Carlos Santana. A wonderful album, way ahead from the mainstream progrock. If Flor De Loto matures in writing (and I beg for the addition of keyboards!), this band will succeed to generate my attention for the whole album.