LA DANZA ETÉREA

One year after their debut EP, Mexican band Cronomad delights us with a second and more mature EP entitled La danza etérea, in which they offer five cool songs that make a total time of 22 minutes of a great mixture of space prog and other subdivisions of prog. The quality of the sound is much better than its predecessor, so this one might be a good starting point for those who don't know Cronomad's music.

It opens with "Arábiga rabiosa", a great track that shows how experimental they are, because here we can find elements of psych rock, folk and even some hard rock moments. The vocals are nice, but I believe they are not the strongest point of the band, I prefer much more their instrumental side and all the images one can picture with their constan changes of sounds and rhythms. This one is a great opener! "El diablo" is an amazing track that shows how good they are as composers and as performers, because the music is challenging and addictive, just like good old progressive rock. Love the flute work here and in all their songs, by the way. There is also a saxophone later, and that great guitar that sometimes is sensual and sometimes heavier.

"La aldea" was also featured on the first EP, but this time we can listen to a different (and better) version of it, in which once again guitar and flute are the elements that will catch your attention. "El lament del tigre" is also a re-recording which was featured on their debut EP. Again, the sound is better and the arrangements are greater, also, this time they included vocals which add more nuances to this interesting song. Finally, this EP ends with "Viaje a Urantia" which I think is the most adventurous songs of them all, and the one that fits better as the ending track.

This is a great release, a proof that in Mexico exist bands making great prog rock in this decade. My final grade will be 3 stars. Enjoy it!