TRAYECTO

Difícil Equilibrio is the definitive Crimsonian bastion in the Spanish current prog scene. This trio's style is overtly influenced by 80's KC, which makes them stand out more like a tribute band who write and perform their own material than a particularly original act - therefore, the virtues of their music must be found in their genuine energy and their skill, which are, indeed, great and impressive. One main factor for this is the inclusion of contemporary jazz-rock elements, which help the band follow their mentors' example without cloning them. Generally speaking, the band's overall sound is undeniably classy, with a polished touch of disturbance delivered in a most elegant manner: not working as a power trio, DE functions more as a cohesive ensemble in which every individual member works for the benefit of the other two. The brief opener 'Compulsión' is based on a catchy series of chord progressions sustained on an up-tempo 5/8 pattern. It is segued into the eerier 'Mudan las Palabras', which finds DE slightly exploring the fusionesque side of things in the Crimsonian context; the clever use of empty space by the bass player and the sounscaped guitar solo included in the interlude are worth a special mention. The following tracks pretty much follow the same pattern: there are times when they seem to consciously flirt with the dangers of ripping-off (e.g. 'Hostilidad Simétrica' and 'La Lógica del Vampiro'), but fortunately they never fully get to that point. 'Trayecto 4 - Trayecto' is a two section jazzy number that finds the band jamming on expansions of simplistic basic motifs: their interplay is precise, but despite the potential impression of being cold and calculatingly technical, actually you can feel a true labour of introspection translated into musical terms, starting in the perspective of languid contemplation and then turning into a moderately exulting attitude. The harshest stuff is condensed in the last three numbers. 'Vigilia' and 'Retrofremovium 01' are two segued aleatory excursions, quite reminiscent of the most deconstructive side of Henry Cow circa "In Praise of Learning". The closure 'Self- Portrait' displays a powerful hard rocking motif before getting to a two-minute silent lapse, after which a very brief processed guitar soundscape closes down the album properly. In a word - excellent!

Well if your into KING CRIMSON inspired bands then Spain's DIFICIL EQUILIBRIO is a band you need to check out. This album along with the follow-up "Simetricanarquia" are well worth taking a chance on. This band is a trio who play all instrumental music that is often dark and angular and always well played.

"Compulsion" is a short intro track to warm us up while "Mudan Las Palabras" is more laid back with a vocal melody to open. It stays restrained throughout. I like the bass and also the guitar expressions. "Hostilidad Simetrica" is a steady mid-paced tune. It sounds like keyboards 2 1/2 minutes in. "Trayecto IV" opens with bass and drums as the guitar comes in grinding away in this laid back song. "Trayecto" is different as you can hear people carrying on in the background throughout this song as the music plays over top. Cool tune. "Generacion Extraviada (Parte I)" is another relaxed track but it's oh so good. It blends into "Generacion Extraviada (Parte II)" where the same music continues.

"La Logica Del Vampiro" features this intricate "Discipline"-like guitar melodies with bass and drums. "Vigilia" has these dark and experimental sounds that come and go. This continues on "Retrofremovium #01". "Self Portrait" kicks in right away.This is the most powerful song on here and it reminds me very much of GARDEN WALL, especially the intro.The music stops after 2 minutes and we get silence until before 4 minutes where we get some brief music to end it.

For those few distrustful not believing still that Dificil Equilibrio was a heavily King Crimson-influenced band, the Spanish trio would actually give an answer itself in 1998, when they released the EP ''The great red lament in aspic'', containing covers of the pioneer British Prog band.By the end of the decade they were discovered by the French label Musea and in 2000 their next work (seemingly being in fact a compilation) was released.

Similarities with KING CRIMSON still go on with this album, the Spanish trio recollects some of sounds met in the legends of Prog and their 75'-81' era and comes up with another ice-cold release of technical exhibition.At this point they appear to be the European mainland's answer to what King Crimson left as a legacy some 15-20 years ago along with PHILHARMONIE.I would call this a genre of its own, someking of Industrial Prog with atonal moves, heavy distortions, powerful grooves in a doomy style and slight jazzy elements.As with the previous album there are still some RUSH Power Rock fancy rhythmic patterns along the way, but the majority of the album recalls KING CRIMSON from the ''Discipline'' period.Technically a flawless release, the music is mostly centered around the complex guitar work of Alberto Diaz and the tight rhythm section, flavored by some sound effects, and introducing a complicated, instrumental Prog Rock with some space for loose jams, heavy dissonances and endless rhythmic shifts.Like the debut of the band this one lacks instrumental diversity, but the dynamics and energy are of first class.Some tracks are absolutely fantastic with numerous tempo changes and breaks in a limited running time and you've got to give credit to the group, even if you are not a fan of KING CRIMSON's more experimental period.

Guitar-dominated instrumental music with jazzy and experimental moods.Sounds a bit robotic at moments, but if you love second era-KING CRIMSON, this was absolutely created for your ears.Recommended.