AMERICANOS

The history of Contraluz started in 1969 in Buenos Aires, initially playing Beat Music with brothers Carlos (guitars) and Nestor Barrios (drums) along with bassist Diego Prochnik.After abandoning the names ''Lemon'' and ''Celofan'', they chose the Contraluz moniker and played in a Jethro Tull style by the beginning of the 70's.The unstoppable presence at several concerts, festivals and competitions earned them a wider recognition and in 1973 the band recorded the debut ''Americanos'' for EMI Records with Alvaro Canada on vocals and early member Alejandro Barzi on flutes.

Contraluz'es music mixed the raw power of Rock music with the delicacy of Spanish vocals and the flute-based drives to come up with an album very close to the sound of early JETHRO TULL or even better JUMBO and OSANNA.Most of the tracks combined the psych-tinged flavor of Latin-American Rock bands with warm vocals and sensitive guitar work with the sharp edge of powerful flute solos, Hard Rockin' guitars and a strong rhythm section and the result is an album dangerously balancing between the softness of a singer/songwriter album with the exterme forces of in-your-face Hard Rock.Does this combination works?The answer is definitely yes, despite the muddy production.The great energetic grooves with plenty of edgy guitar solos and dynamic flute work will leave you wanting for more.The more mellow vocal parts appearing inbetween are also nice with Cavada having a lovely style of singing, while the flute passages have a welcome and very attractive folky flavor.

Latin-American Prog of very good quality, recommended for lovers the style and of course Spanish vocals, as well as anyone into 70's Hard Italian Prog in the vein of OSANNA...3.5 stars.