BANDA ELASTICA 2

The second album of the Mexicans would see them welcome the digital/CD period.Simply entitled ''2'', Banda Elastica's sophomore effort was co-released by Discos Tiradero (propably the band's own label) and Disco Pueblo in 1989.Among the tracks of the album there are few that date back from the band's debut sessions with Lucio Sanchez on bass, who by 1989 had left the group.His replacement was Zozimo Hernandez along with flutist/sax player Guillermo Portillo.

Forget about the instant jazzy Prog Rock of the band's debut, ''2'' is a much more experimental album with Banda Elastica exploring the pre-hispanic Folk fundamentals and the Chamber Music surroundings, coming up with a very complex album full of bizzare textures, which still maintain some great charm.Acoustic guitars, flutes and percussion have become leading instruments and are blended with contemporary instruments like bass, contrabass and saxes.The more archaic style of the band is quite attractive but very hard sounding, the more jazzy tunes come quite easier with some smooth interplays, which range from folky instrumentals to delicate and more proggy attempts with saxes, synths and a competent rhythm section in the forefront.The last part of the album sees Banda Elastica somewhat returning to a more Prog Rock style.Bass and drums have become solid entries in the music and the sound is enriched by some tremedous work on acoustic and electric guitars, very dreamy saxes and flutes, while the role of Rosino Seranno is more prominent with strong synthesizer runs along the way in a very Fusion-esque enviroment.

Skillful musicians, tight bandmates and great music explorers.''2'' is still a very complicated album for the average listener, but it certainly deserves some listening attempts by anyone who want to be characterized as a fan of adventurous music.Recommended.