FUEGO

Unlike it is featured as a 1994 release in the album list on PA, this album is the third one of the band and was released in 1983. Since there are several incorrect information as far as Ñu's discography is concerned, I will report all of these after my review for their whole discography.

The unsufferable Molina (the Ñu undisputed leader) will provoque the flea of ALL the members that were recording their previous album. Gone with the subtle violin, unfortunately. Gone with the mellotron, unfortunately (even if it was Molina himself who was playing this instrument).

These were taking a great part in the "progressive" side of the band which is extremley hard-rock oriented. And this album is definitely even more hard-rock oriented. When you listen to the opening number "Más Duro Que Nunca", the worse can be expected. Hard-rock music without any feeling. What a contrast with their great debut album !

The title track is more in-line with their previous work, although that the beat is seriously punkish. Hopefully, some great flute play will again adds such a special flavour to this song. Ñu has of course never been a band who was releasing soft and gentle songs, but this album definitely marks a turn in comparison with their early work.

Most of their prog sounds are not present any longer. Although "La Revolución" will still feature some of these (nice keyboards actually).

Now, something else : so far I have never mentioned it in my "Ñu" reviews (this is the third one). The Spanish lyrics. It is not always convincing when combined to rock music. Don't get me wrong. Spanish is my second language (I've been married to a Mexican girl for more than twenty years now. French being my mother language).

I can fully understand people for which Spanish is allien. They will probably be a bit lost here. I guess that this is the reason of their low profile on this site.

My preferred song on this album is "La Bailarina". A great song which is 200 % (well, maybe I am exaggerating here) Tull oriented. Great riff, strong rhythm, nice flute and great guitar break. Does this correspond to your Tull description ?

One of the longest "Ñu" song follows. "Los Caballeros De Hierro - La Dama De La Carroza". This is a great song. Closer to their great debut. It last for almost twelve minutes and will save this album. It is extremely powerful. Vocals (especially during the chorus) are very pleasant. The mood is of course hard-rock oriented. But the melody is catchy and differentiates from the bulk of this album.

The devastating tone of "Cuentos De Ayer Y De Hoy" (their fantastic debut album) is wonderfully taking over here. What a power ! What an energy ! Really hard to keep seated while listening to this one. Again, punkish mood at times. It is a wiiiiiiiiiiiild song.

What a wonderful contrast with the closing number : "Flor De Metal". Subtle and extremely melodic. another highlight of this album and a great closing.

The second half of this album is much better than what one could have expected. Therefore I will rate this effort with three stars.