TRAS EL PUENTE

'Tras el Puente' is actually a selection of demos recorded in 1993 and 1994. They were recued and compiled under the aforemetioned title in 2000. The band had split up in 1994, but motivated by the release of their old material, they rejoined and nowadays are enjoying some success. Their performance in BajaProg 2001 was very well received by both the crowd and the critics... which led them to be invited back in 2002, as a matter of fact! Because 'Tras el Puente' is basically a selection of demos, the sound is a little sub-par, despite the fact that those demos were remastered. Nevertheless, you can appreciate their melodic sensibilty and crafty musicianship along each and every track. The opening track is a perfect example of Omni's stylings: massive melodic sensibility a-la Camel, Oldfield and 'W&W'-era Genesis, with the inclusion of subtle Southern Spanish folky elements and fusionesque colours. All this is achieved with an elegant sense of texture, and avoiding both pyrotechnics and weird dissonances: the simplicity of the main motifs are complemented by the elegance delivered in the arrangements and expansions thereof. 'Contracorriente' is a very effective opener, indeed. Generally speaking, it is in the longest tracks where the band feels more comfortable expressing themselves, expanding on their ideas without becoming repetitive or futile: 'Amazonas', 'Viento de Levante' and the title track are other highlights worth mentioning. 'Aamazonas' comprises 4 sections - each of them bearing an individual title - that explore various moods within an overall meditative frame. 'Viento de Levante' also bears a predominantly meditative vibe, but the overall mood is more energetic, and that is so because of way the extrovertive guitar leads and the colorful keyboard solos are displayed on the blues-rock tempo. 'Tras el Puente' is as majestic as the opener and as varied as 'Amazonas': the Oldfield factor is particularly relevant here in some sections. Arugably, it epitomizes the best of Omni in this initial phase. 'Levante' is a stylish blues-rocker, while 'Tribu' is the closest that Omni gets to standardized Andalusian prog. 'Vuelo Nocturno' finds the band focused on the lighter side of symphonic prog, mostly due to its catchy rhythm and the 80s vibe comprised in the lead guitar's main phrases, closer to The Edge than to Hackett. I must admit that the compositional talent, although evident, is not totally matured, and as I mentioned before, the sound quality leaves much to be desired, but all in all, this is a good prog work, a promise of better things to come (which they did... but that's another story).

OMNI are a band reborn in 2000 from their own ashes,as their history begins in 1989 in the region of Andalusia,when members of the band,''Alquimia'' decided to collaborate with wind-instrumentalist Peppe Torres and drummer Jose Maria Colon and taped a few recordings in a three-year period.That meant also the end of the band,but at the end of the millenium these tapes were collected,re-mastered and released under the title ''Tral el puente'' in 2000 by Luna Negra.

OMNI's sound is extremely tasteful and melodic,offering a light symph/fusion mix with straight references to the 70's.Guitars are on the front and seems like the whole work is built around them,delivering melodic passages in the vein of CAMEL and passionate fusion soloing in the best Spanish tradition,not unlike IMAN CALIFATO INDEPEDIENTE.There are also a couple of moments,when the guitar hooks remind me of ICONOCLASTA.All this great guitar material is supported by the excellent analog keyboards (echoes of the moog synthesizer and the Hammond organ can be detected) of ex-CAI member Chano Dominguez,used in an awesome atmospheric way than as a leading instrument.A steady and decent rhythm section completes OMNI's picture and their highly melodic approach to progressive rock music.It would be really a pity,if this band had remained in the shadows of the past.A pleasant listening for anyone looking for melodic and calm instrumental music.