FOLKLORE

The core trio is still on the command of the band and they are assisted by two new band members for their seventh album. On their previous effort (by far their best before this one), there were lots of guests who were adding some dimension to "Pez" music, and the tendency remains here as well.

Ernesto Romero and Leopoldo Limeres on the keys are very present and more than welcome during the good and heavy "Maldición" but not only: the splendid delicacy of "Sus Alas?" demonstrates again the great aptitude from Ariel Minimal to perform moving vocals.

This Argentinean band investigates the jazzy sounds again (like they did extensively on their previous album ("El Sol Detrás Del Sol"). A song as "Veinte Dias Sin Dormir" leans very much towards the eclectic genre and is very pleasant to listen to. Again KC is the reference (nice mellotron). It offers splendid theme changes between the most symphonic and the most tortured ones ("Barcos" as well as "Faltan Miles De Años Mas" are other examples).

Most songs are on the short edge (sixty minutes for fifteen numbers) and my fave is also the longest one available on "Folklore": the strong and beautiful piece "Aprender Comprender". After a long and complex instrumental part, Ariel is again poignant in his vocal duties. A fine piece of symphonic rock by all means (like the sweet ballad ("Caminar").

This album is maybe a bit longish, but the impression that remains is on the positive side even if "Cumpleaños" is quite heavy to digest. There is even a spacey instrumental that could remind you of TD ("Labrador") and a fully oriented Floyd track ("Superjuguetes").

This album is the second in a row that be be fully named prog. This one is much more accessible than "El Sol..." and I rate it with four stars. This is an excellent entry to discover the band.

If I judge from this album only, as it is the only one I've heard from these senores from Argentina, I could say that Pez are one of those contemporary groups that incorporate indie, folk, psych, jazz, art and hard rock elements in order to create an amalgam of beautiful modern progressive rock music. I am sorry that I don't know spanish, but I can only guess that their lyrics must be about nostalgia, social matters, soul-searching or stories with bitter end. Although vocals are not extraordinary, the guitar lines are great, there are brilliant keyboard solo moments, nice spacey parts, strong, solid rhythm section and a production that provides a good rock sound. They are moments while listening to "Folklore", that my mind spontaneously goes to Motorpsycho's "Child Of The Future" or "Little Lucid Moments" albums. An honest example of 21st Century's good music...