MUNDOS BIZARROS

Good news, great news from Peru for the world of prog rock - Flor de Loto have just released yet another highlight album entitled "Mundos Bizarros", and oh, how it rocks! This third album features flutist Junior Pacora (the "new kid in this block" since the latest third of 2007), and the fact is that the inconstancies occurred in the flutist's department have not affected at all the sense of power and tightness that patently prevail in Flor de Loto's integral sound. The tracklist of "Mundos Bizarros" brings a straightforward statement of energy and colorfulness that by now must be amply acknowledged by all those familiar with this band's discography and live performances. Generally speaking, this album finds the band exploring the enhancement of contrasts between their soft and rocking sides, in this way bearing a tendency toward darker moods. Maybe it would be accurate to say that the rocking side has assumed a certain preponderance, but still this is an eclectic band with strongly planted fusionesque roots. Also, the composing skills exhibited here show a bigger confidence in the use of unusual time signatures and bold shifts in moods and tempos. "Mundos Bizarros" bears a sort of musical darkness (not overblown) that in the previous two releases had only been partially alluded to. The brief alleatory woodwind washes instilled on spacey bass guitar arpeggios create an 'Intro' for the wild energy of 'La Fortaleza', a spectacular semi-opener that brings a peculiar combination of intelligence and rawness; the same goes for 'Volver a Nacer', which in many ways is a continuation of the preceding track. 'Shamballa' pretty much continues in the same vein, although it is properly attenuated in order to emphasize the exotic airs that set the main motifs - this one and 'La Fortaleza' comprise some of the most impressive flute solos by Pacora, he really drives these tracks to otherworldly dimensions. The final echoes of 'Shamballa' are segued into 'Amnesia', the first staple of evocative romanticism in the album. As usual, Alonso's singing and acoustic guitar chops are taken to a featured stance. This lyrical side of Flor de Loto will later resurface more brilliantly in 'Nubes Oscuras' and 'Noche Azul': the former has a lovely prelude shaped in an Argentinean zamba tempo, the latter states a more ethereal feel (but it should have had a longer expansion... anyway...). 'Danza Celta Part II' is, naturally, a second Celtic-rock statement related to the 'Danza Celta' comprised in the "Madre Tierra" album: in comparison, the one in the "Mundos Bizarros" album has a more robust sound and a more exciting framework of arrangements. Still, more solid numbers are 'Habitante de un Mundo Imaginario' and 'Atlantis'. The former is a very versatile journey through the usual suspects' influences (Maiden, Tull, DT) that brings a convincing balance of fusion and prog-metal, with a liberal use of exotic vibes; the latter does the same with a major accent on Celtic moods, a more powerful rocking environment and an important presence of psychedelic overtones. For both tracks, the fluidly oiled rhythmic machinery provided by Puccini and Jarrín brings a proficient foundation. 'La Puerta Dorada' is a nice reminder of the Andean prominence that had made the most of the "Madre Tierra" album. Finally, the namesake track signifies the first Flor de Loto epic (or mini-epic): its 11 ½ minute span is well worked on with melodically defined motifs, naturally ordained links among varied tempos, an impeccable balance between the acoustic and electric passages and a reasonable use of the track's inherently bombastic potential. The similarities to Tull, Rush, Maiden and Solaris remain easily noticeable, but all in all, this is pure vintage Flor de Loto taken to a higher degree of musical ambition. The real closer of the album is an edit version of 'Amnesia', but for practical purposes, 'Mundos Bizarros' must be appreciated as the apt culmination of this new Flor de Loto release. Good news from Peru for the world of prog - Flor de Loto remains a big name in the worldwide realms of prog-folk, being still a young band, but mostly, from some time ago, a consummate veteran unit.

An amazing artwork almost always equals a very good Prog album)))

Similar to QUATERNA REQUIEM in manner and sound (but a bit more heavier and song- oriented), FLOR DE LOTO from Peru play very enjoyable and melodic Prog, old-schoolish but not retro, instrumental-oriented but not boring, very good but not that much essential. Native melodies (or at least their strong influence) sometimes can be clearly heard through their own stuff, and that makes them different from many European/USA bands, different in a good way for sure. While PA's classification says they're Prog Folk, I hear a lot of Fusion in them, and this makes FLOR DE LOTO even more interesting for a potencial listener. Check tracks like "Noche Azul", "Amnesia" and "Mundos Bizarros" first, and you'll definitely want to get the whole album! Recommeded.

3.5 stars. FLOR DE LOTO are from Peru and have released three studio albums so far.This is their latest from 2009. I gave their debut a spin before I gave this album one last listen for the review and thoroughly enjoyed it (the debut). Problem was by the time I was half way through "Mundos Bizarros" I was wishing it was over. It's because they use the same style on all three of their albums I suppose. Mostly instrumental and flute led with some guitar outburts and heaviness.

"Intro" is just that,a short mellow opener. "La Fortaleza" kicks in right away and hard with flute over the top. It settles after 1 1/2 minutes with acoustic guitar before kicking back in. "Volver A Nacer" is an uptempo rocker and vocals arrive a minute in. A calm with flute 3 minutes in and it sounds great. It picks back up before 4 minutes and ripping guitar follows. "Shamballa" is bass, drums, strummed guitar and flute. Electric guitar comes in and solos over top. A change before 3 minutes then the electric guitar returns after 4 1/2 minutes. "Amnesia" is mellow with vocals and we get some female vocals helping out.The electric guitar before 3 1/2 minutes is a nice touch.

"Danza Celta (Parte II)" is an uptempo rocker with guitar and flute taking turns leading.The tempo picks up after 2 minutes. "Habitante De Un Mundo Imagiario" is mostly flute with heaviness.The guitar lights it up after 3 minutes. "Nubes Obscuras" is laid back but it does pick up some 2 minutes in and vocals follow. "Atlantis" is uptempo with flute over the top.Guitar before 3 1/2 minutes.

"Noche Azul" is a pastoral track. "La Puerta Dorada" is good with the flute and a beat leading the way. Guitar 1 1/2 minutes in then the flute starts to lead again.Guitar ends it. "Mundos Bizarros" is a vocal track and the highlight for me is the guitar before 3 minutes.

It's cool to see the leader of the band wearing an IRON MAIDEN t-shirt in the liner notes picture. If you want to check these guys out pick any one of their three albums because they are all good. Conversly i'm quite pleased to keep only their debut in my rotation.

This Peruvian formation was founded in the late Nineties, in 2005 Flor De Loto released their eponymous debut album, two years later followed by Madre Tierra and in 2009 the band released their third studio album entitled Mundos Bizarros. I have listened to all their three albums and in my opinion this is their best and most mature effort. What a captivating and often exiting progressive blend of prog and ethnic music from Peru.

The 13 tracks (total running time more than 1 hour) contain a lot of dynamics, due to the frequent shifting moods, accelerations and breaks: from dreamy and hypnotizing with soaring flute (like the ethnic quena) and twanging acoustic guitars to powerful and heavy rock with fiery guitar run, swirling flute traverse and a propulsive rhythm- section, This is topped by excellent Spanish vocals, both male as female. The one moment the music evokes the Chilean Los Jaivas or Dutch prog folk band Flairck. The other moment it reminds me of Jethro Tull, Biglietto Per L'Inferno or Rush (the final part of Volver A Nacer sounds very close to 2112).

In my opinion this third Flor De Loto album is a strong example of adventurous and interesting progrock music. I don't hear keyboards, neither these are mentioned on the album. But the guitar play is very good in the strong rock tradition, the interplay with the other instruments (lots of ethnic sounds) is great and the compositions are very tasteful arranged. Especially the epic title track in which we can enjoy Flor De Loto in its full splendour, what a thrilling atmosphere, what a great dynamics. And I love the duo vocals, a big hand for this wonderful Peruvian formation!

Meanwhile Flor De Loto have produced another four studio albums and one live record, all well received album looking at the ratings. Their latest entitled Arbol De La Vida is from 2016, so hopefully Flor De Loto is working on a new album ' My rating: 3,5 star.