EN OTRA CUIDAD

Bauer their first album Astronauta Olvidado blew me away, what a wonderful and often very compelling musical experience (with hints from Radiohead, Porcupine Tree and early Pink Floyd), loaded with Mellotron and sensitive electric guitar along melancholical vocals. So high expectation towards this new album, does Bauer succeed to delight me again?

Well, to be honest, it is not at the same level because the music is a bit more subdued and the dynamics between the dreamy parts and bombastic pieces are less intense. But this doesn't mean En Otra Ciudad is a disappointing album because the compositions are still very tasteful like the compelling first song Dock Surf (propulsive with a psychedelic undertone like Hawkwind and Porcupine Tree with fiery guitar and spacey keyboards), El Hombre De Blanco (beautiful interplay between the omnipresent Fender Rhodes piano, howling guitar and fluent drums) and the mellow, very moving Avanza (majestic violin- Mellotron and melancholic vocals). Remarkable are the The Shadows (Hank B. Marvin)-like guitar runs in some tracks. The raw guitar parts are a captivating contrast with the dreamy vocals and soaring keyboards.

I have to say that this new album sounds less exciting than Bauer their first but it is still a pleasant new effort that deserves a listen, I recommend it to fans of Radiohead, Porcupine Tree and early Pink Floyd.

Erik's review is the only positive review I have read about this album. I read three others that really trashed this record.There is something about the sound this band creates though that just brings a smile to my face. Much like their first record it is a melancholic, dreamy and often slow moving brand of music with few outbreaks. Unfortunately though this one really does pale when compared to their amazing debut.These guys know how to create atmosphere much like latter TALK TALK and NO-MAN projects, but their sound is more like RADIOHEAD.

"Dock Surf" is an instrumental with atmospheric, western sounding guitar melodies and lots of moog. "Un Auto Para Lynn" is one of my favourites with a PORCUPINE TREE sound that is slower paced with lazy, dreamy guitar and Thom Yorke-like vocals. More moog as well as farsifa. I love the sound of this song. "Elmismo Lugar" has some good outbreak of drums and guitar 2 1/2 minutes in.

"El Hombre De Blanco" is a heavier tune with some good guitar and Rhodes piano melodies. "Camino A Oxiard" is slow paced with moog and mellotron. The next song "Un Dia,Todo El Verano" features some hammond organ in the background. Nice ! "La Entrevista" is an instrumental that has a jazzy feel at times. "Avanza" is a good dreamy, melodic tune with mellotron. The final song is another favourite of mine as the sound becomes so lush and full while the guitar is simply fantastic !

If your a RADIOHEAD fan and don't mind non-English vocals you have to check these guys out, but start with the debut.