SENOGUL

Eclectic Prog • Spain


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Senogul biography
Senogul is an instrumental band born in Asturias in 2002, thanks to the meeting of bass player Pablo Canalís, keyboard player Eduardo García Salueña, drummer Alex Valero "Danda" and guitar players Israel Sánchez and Pedro A. Menchaca. Although they had different musical backgrounds (Heavy Metal, Blues, Folk or Post-rock) they found a common ground related to styles such as progressive rock or jazz fusion, the so-called "Contemporary Instrumental Music".
The initial repertoire of the band was made up basically of symphonic rock covers from the 70s (from bands such as Genesis, King Crimson, Yes, Crucis and ELP) and later they approached other bands more related to fusion (Return To Forever, Airto Moreira, Frank Zappa or Hermeto Pascoal). This led to the recording in 2003-2004 of the Demo CD Cosecha años 70 in "Dos Mundos" studio, headed by Mento Hevia (ex-keyboardist of Spanish progressive band Crack), with Mikhail Goldfarb as the sound engineer.
Since then, Senogul focus in their own compositions and style, based in the instrumental fusion of different musical styles: rock, jazz, blues, baroque music, minimalism, electronic music or flamenco, including such compositions in their set-lists. In 2005 Senogul records and self-produces the mini CD entitled Tránsitos, in which the band included six of those new compositions played live in the studio. Such demo recording was widely spread, not only through several concerts in different concert halls in Asturias (Gijón, Oviedo, Navia) or nacional events (such as Lughnassad Festival, held in Tiermes -Soria- in 2005, together with other important asturian artists such as Dani García de la Cuesta, Skontra or Deua Dubra), but also through internet in specialised national and international websites.
Meanwhile, Senogul kept composing new material showing new influences, with a freer, improvised character, tending to ethnic music and tone percussion. In 2006 the band focused in the recording of their first, self-titled, studio album, with Ángel Berdiales as the recording engineer and the collaboration of many renowned asturian musicians (such as multi-instrumentist Guzmán Argüello, who has played with Nuberu, Los Locos, Mü, Acullá or Edwin Moses). Such CD has been edited in May 2007 by Mylodon Records, Chilean record label specialised in progressive and avant-garde music.
Senogul, now with Eva Díaz in drums replacing Álex Valero, is currently immersed in the presentation of their new CD in live concerts. The ...
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Musea/Mylodon (Audio CD 2007)
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SENOGUL Albums (CD, Vinyl/LP, Cassette)


3.38 | 8 ratings
Tránsitos
2005

3.94 | 22 ratings
Senogul
2007

4.00 | 5 ratings
Concierto de evocación sonora
2009

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SENOGUL Music Reviews


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 Concierto de evocación sonora by SENOGUL album cover Studio Album, 2009
4.00 | 5 ratings

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Concierto de evocación sonora
Senogul Eclectic Prog

Review by avestin
Special Collaborator

3 stars Images-evoking sounds by Senogul

As the name of this release suggests, we are presented with a variety of sounds to trigger our minds to imagine as we hear it and to go on a mental journey guided by Senogul's music. Do not choose to listen to this album because you liked the previous one. You'll find that not much resembles that one. Instead, listen to this if you're intrigued at the possibilities and the potential that Senogul has shown in their previous output and if you'd like to hear them in a different context; that is, in a creative and free-spirited setup.

As with their previous album, this release too is varied in style, though it's quite different its predecessor but in a good way. The album embarks on a world tour with the influences and sounds it incorporates into it: from African tribal rhythms and chants, to Indian music, to Spanish and South American flavoured melodies to abstract and free form avant-garde and electronic experimentation. The band employs a wide range of instruments and not only that but manages to conjure up and create a fascinating array of sounds and effects.

Their special ability to create convincing soundtrack-like aural vision can be heard in the second track, En permanente estado de vigilia, which travels through different states of mind: from calm to eerie and agitated, all very well presented with efficient use of percussion, piano and keyboards and a whole set of other instruments that create a horror movie-like scene. It sounds like a depiction of a nightmare and at the end the waking up. It is a splendid depiction of human distress in sounds.

With Mae Floresta vocals come in the picture to create a pleasant atmosphere, along with back up instruments all achieving a cool South-American (Brazilian) sounding theme. It then transforms into an abstract scene, where I imagine, due to the sound of water, a boat in the Amazon River, making its way peacefully among the exotic wildlife. Another section begins, as the previous fades out, when an electric guitar plays gently in a daydream-inducing manner, soon followed by gentle drumming and vocals singing wordlessly. It keeps on changing later on, but you get the picture. The transitions are done seamlessly. This track alone is a great example of the breadth of elements, fashions and approaches Senogul can take on in their music.

Swaranjali [Sangama Mantra] takes us to India next and alongside the section lead by the sitar and female vocals, they play a rock section that fits well with its more aggressive touch next to the trance-inducing sitar sound.

I could go on about the other pieces here, but I think the main point got across by now. What is left is for you to sample their music through their website and Myspace.

It is not often that one finds a group of musicians that is able to conjure up aural images so efficiently and to play in a wide range of styles and moods. Senogul is an ensemble of talented musicians that is a delight to listen to. I applaud them for the move with this album and for their willingness to release what is probably a hard to swallow release for most people. This requires, more than other albums, an active role of the listener and permanent attention to the music. Recommended for the listener looking for experimentation and eclecticism in music and soundscaping. I can't wait to hear what next they present us with.

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 Concierto de evocación sonora by SENOGUL album cover Studio Album, 2009
4.00 | 5 ratings

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Concierto de evocación sonora
Senogul Eclectic Prog

Review by Cesar Inca
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

5 stars After the warm reception for Senogul's brilliant debut release, the sophomore album "Concierto de Evocación Sonora" offers an entirely new trend from the band. The dominant use of fusion and ethnic elements in the album's repertoire results in a display of vibrant colors and textures encapsulated in an amazing variety of moods. More than a prog rock album per se, this effort is a ritual of sound. The concept behind this musical experiment also involved members from an interdisciplinary group called Hábitat. The opener 'Itamaracá' sets a very playful pace, peacefully stretching a candid motif through the easy-going vibe displayed in the rhythmic pace and instrumentation - in fact, the accordion never fails when it comes to delivering musical warmth. 'En Permanente Estado de Vigilia' is a whole different thing. This piece lasts 8 ½ minutes: the first section is focused on an extended, dreamy ambient, featuring mesmerizing synth layers; the last section is based on a subtle, minimalistic piano motif. The eerie mystery delivered on this piece gets some slightly weird variations when percussive and other sundry effects go appearing occasionally, ultimately ending with footsteps and clock alarms. 'Mae Floresta' persists on this generation of dreamy atmospheres, but this time the ethnic flavors dominate the sonic structure dearly. The section 'La Senda Verde' is a very gentle African celebration bathed in noticeable Latin moods; 'El Espíritu Que Nos Inunda' goes to Hindu-related places in a deeply soaring fashion, featuring a guest on clarinet; 'Las Almas Inmóviles' is set in a slow jazz-friendly framework, wrapped in a soaring atmosphere; the ethnic factor returns with a revenge for the track's last section 'La Naturaleza de la Vida', whose joyfully tribal pattern feels truly completed with the multiple percussive amalgamation, the intertwined woodwinds and vocal ornaments. There go 11 ¾ minutes of pure eclectic joy. 'Swaranjali (Sangama Mantra)' is yet another exercise on multiple, successive atmospheres sustained by the link of various motifs. A particularly grandiose section from this track is a slow-tempo psychedelic jam, liberal on Crimsonian guitar textures (a terrific lead, indeed) and full of dense nuances. Before and after that, the listener is greeted with zither, sitar, tempura Catalonian pipe, and even a sung mantra. 'Siete Lunas (La Canción del Nómada)' is a showcase for bassist/percussionist Pablo Canalis' explorations: it is a snippet of rhythmic cadence featuring kalimbas, Tibetan bowls and Jew's harp. 'De Nooijer' states an ethereal mood at the starting point, bringing a spacey melancholy that ultimately ends up evolving into a calm, symphonic climax. The track's coda centers on a fusionesque motif on marimba-like synth and dual guitar textures. 'Terra - Terreiro' is another track with individually entitled sections. 'El Mar Nuestro de Cada Día' indulges solemnly in some sort of ceremonial chanting, and so it happens that 'Un Canto a los Antepasados, la Conmemoración' brings this celebratory ambience to a more extroverted mood, featuring African percussions and a jazzy ensemble of piano and exotic reeds. 'Reflexiones del Día de Mañana Sobre una Roca Gris' portrays sounds of birds in the jungle, while 'Invocanción' and 'El Poder de la Madre Tierra' reiterate the gusto for ceremonial chanting, this time reinforcing the mystical aura implied in this imagery. The overall result of this 'Terra - Terreiro' concept is quite close to the sort of experimental environments performed by Jade Warrior during their Island days. 'Lughnassad' is deeply rooted in mesmeric waters, elaborating an oceanic atmosphere firstly featuring the grand piano, then the confluence of guitar effects and acoustic guitar washes. At some point, the piano reprises a motif from 'En Permanente Estado de Vigilia'. The sense of ethereal emotiveness delivered in this enchanting piece is followed by the playful reprise of 'Itamaracá' (on solo accordion) that ends this album, a masterpiece from Spain to grace the world of prog in 2009.

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 Senogul by SENOGUL album cover Studio Album, 2007
3.94 | 22 ratings

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Senogul
Senogul Eclectic Prog

Review by sinkadotentree
Prog Reviewer

3 stars SENOGUL are a 5 piece band from Spain, although they have a ton of guest musicians helping out.This is an instrumental album except for some vocal melodies here and there.There is so much variety on this 70+ minute album,which really makes it hit and miss for me.There are some fantastic songs on here though. "Dr.Gull I" is my third favourite track,it opens with some beautiful piano melodies.The song gets fuller a minute in with tasteful guitar.Nice prominant bass too.I like when it turns darker and vocal melodies come in.The melody stops 2 1/2 minutes in as vocal melodies continue.It kicks back in and blends into "Racionalidad".Lots of piano as guitar comes and goes.The piano is prominant throughout this album. "Tango Mango" is laid back with piano.Guitar comes grinding in 1 1/2 minutes in as the bass offers up some deep lines.The drums are active and steady.The tempo picks up before 3 minutes as it gets more aggressive.A calm follows.Accordion before 5 minutes.Yes i said accordion.It sounds like harpsichord after 7 minutes.It kicks back in with piano and chunky bass.Nice sound 11 minutes in with synths and bass. "La Verbena Hermetica" opens with a bagpipe solo! Piano then takes over with drums and guitar.Nice bass 4 1/2 minutes in. "Microcosmos Blues" is my favourite by far.They have that KING CRIMSON sound down perfect on this one.Actually the first time i heard it i thought of ANEKDOTEN.It changes to a pastoral sound with acoustic guitar,flute and birds chirping.Guitar and chunky bass takes over 3 1/2 minutes.The angular guitar is back with huge bass 5 minutes in.It's heavier one minute later.Up to now it's perfect but then they end it on a silly note unfortunately. "Dr.Gull II" is mostly piano. "Gotas De Cristal En Tu Vaso De Lluvia" features a great section after 3 minutes of guitar and chunky bass. "La Maha Vishnuda" is my second favourite tune.It opens with a gong then acoustic guitar takes over.Electric guitar comes in and lights it up.Incredible! "Agua,Fuego & Porexpan" is jazzy at first and this song features lots of horns including various saxes,trumpet and trombone.Lots of piano as well.Not a fan of this one. "Travesia De Las Gaviotas" opens with tasteful guitar with synths.Bass and percussion 1 1/2 minutes join in. "La Mulata Electrica" features outbursts of piano and drums as fat bass comes in.Check out the bass 4 1/2 minutes in with clapping?.It settles 5 minutes in and gets spacey.Uptempo with piano 6 1/2 minutes in,guitar follows. "Dr.Gull III" is all about the piano again as guitar comes and goes.Great way to end it. This probably deserves 4 stars, but at 70 minutes in length with several songs i could live without,i can't do it.So 3.5 stars it is.

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 Senogul by SENOGUL album cover Studio Album, 2007
3.94 | 22 ratings

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Senogul
Senogul Eclectic Prog

Review by Almanzor

5 stars A stunning music from Spain.Mix Tango, RIO, Flamenco, Psicorock, celtic folk etc..in a smooth way, creating an own sound wich remember me the old 70 bands like Cai, Iceberg,Nuberu,King Crimson,ELP,Jethro Tul,Return to forever,Mahavishnu Orchestra. Both rythm and melodic section are excellent. You will need to hear at least 3 times to apreciate the music of this recording.I am waiting for a second album. Almanzor, Spain.

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 Senogul by SENOGUL album cover Studio Album, 2007
3.94 | 22 ratings

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Senogul
Senogul Eclectic Prog

Review by Cesar Inca
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Senogul has delivered with this album a manifesto of their musical genius, stating one of the most exquisite new affirmations of the prog genre in their country. The material recorded through the years 2005 and 2006 is what we find here in Senogul's offiical debut recording, now released by Mylodon Records in 2007. Five of the 12 tracks that are comprised in this repertoire already existed in their demo "Tránsitos", and now we can enjoy them in refurbished fashion... well those tracks and all of them, in general. The quantity of guests (mainly on wind instruments) is very revealing of the band's interest on the expansion of the colors inherent to their compositions. The band's sound is characterized by an energetic combination of symphonic prog and jazz- rock, porperly ornamented with classical music touches and folky flavors. García Salueña's keyboards (with the piano assuming a prominent role) play a reasonable featured part in the band's sonic architecture, while the rhythm duo displays a high degree of dynamics and precision, very accurate to help the band's overall input to make things happen in a convincing way. The album's first 6 minutes are occupied by the diptic of 'Dr. Gull I' and 'Racionalidad'. 'Dr. Gull I' gest started on a solemn note, based on the ambiences delivered by the piano chordp rogressions, while the other instruments (mainly the lead guitar) build up a moderate sense of energy instilled into the main motif's development; with the choir adding a touch of majestic vibrations to the fold, teh door is open for the entrance of 'racionalidad', a delicious track plethoric of melodic dynamics and an exciting tempo. Next comes the first opus in teh album, 'Tango Mango'. This is sheer old-fashiones progressive sophistication: various motifs succedding one another, variations of mood and tempo, tight performances full of technical prowess, but never getting the pyrotechnics to a gratuitous level. The inclusion of tango-based elements helps the track to preserve its colorfulness throughout its expansion. Having said this, I confess that I find this track less cohesvie than the other long numbers: it is very good, but it wll soon be eclipsed by the next two pieces. 'La Verbena Hermética' is just awesome, captivating, owning a captivating dexterity that comprises both variation and cohesion in perfect doses. The piano leads the track's main body with its inspiration in the jazzier side of Emerson. There is an interlude near the end that goes deeper into the jazzy side of things while the horn arrangements play some agile counterpoints, very much a-la GG. And then comes the final section, a lovely lovely translation of part of the main motif into a 6/8 tempo, a homage to Asturias' folk dances (Asturians happens to be the band members' native Spanish region). The candid colors of Norhern Spain's folk are funnily complemented by the amazing Moog solo and the burlesque of animal sounds - I get goosebumps everytime I get to this closing portion. 'Microcosmos Blues' is more jam-oriented, consisting on a smaller amount of motifs that fin more room for expansion than those comprised in 'Tango Mango'. Unlike its immediate predecessor, 'Microcosmos Blues' bears a more greyinsh mood, like an autumn evening under the haze. This prominent mood is more featured in the relaxed sections, although there is also room for some solid dual guitar riffing (leading the band toward a flirt with tandardized psychodelia) and even a brief reagge-jazz interlude. The album's second half begins with another diptic, 'Dr. Gull II'-'Gotas de Cristal en Tu Vaso de Lluvia' (beautiful title, 'Crystal Drops in Your Glass of Rain'). 'Dr. Gull II' begins with a reprise of some piano touches from the first 'Dr. Gull', and then comes a series of special effects that serve as a proper prelude for the manifestation of density in 'Gotas de Cristal...'. One of the most amazing tricks of this number is how well the intense spiralling piano goes sliding under the rhythm section's slow motion and the dense guitar solo. 'La Maha Vishnuda' continues with this trend of slow tempo and melancholy ambiences, but this time the track is less dense and more candorous. The interaction between the two guitarists is carefully crafted in order to guide the track's dynamics fro mbeginning to end in a solid manner. 'Agua, Fuego y Porexpán' brings back the appealing colorfulness that had been cleverly exploited in tarcks 2-4. The track's punchy spirit is enhanced by the effective work of the guests on saxes, trumpet and trombone - following the road of fusion, the band also feels comfortable, although the sytlish vibe they deliver is evidently due to their overall progressive approach. The jazz thing persists in the beautiful (albeit too ephimeral!) 'Travesía de las Gaviotas', a display of soft Ltin-jazz under a guise of serenity. I personally feel that 'La Maha' and 'Travesía' could have benefited from further expansion, but anyway, things are as they are and these two tracks are very good as they are. 'La Mulata Eléctrica' has, in comparison to the version included in "Tránsitos", a tighter guitar work and more notable dynamics. The band's symphonic splendour is revealed in full colors, even including some crafty hints to Andalusian prog (like Triana or Mezquita, so to speak). Well, the last 4+ minutes are occupied by 'Dr. Gull III', the most articulated composition in the 'Dr. Gull' series, setting once again that fluid combination of symphonic and jazz-rock that is Senogul's. This album is really great, essential to get to know one of the peaks of the current Spanish progressive scene - Senogul has reached full maturity in terms of performance and creativity.

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 Senogul by SENOGUL album cover Studio Album, 2007
3.94 | 22 ratings

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Senogul
Senogul Eclectic Prog

Review by erik neuteboom
Prog Reviewer

4 stars One of the trademarks of the Spanish progressive rock is its originality: in the past from bands like Ibio, Carmen, Atila, Itoiz and the flamenco inspired Prog Andaluz bands like Triana, Cai, Mezquita and Azahar and in the present from bands like Bijou, Unoma, Kotobel and .. Senogul. I was very pleasantly surprised with their debut album entitled Transitos but I am really delighted about their eponymous second CD, what a wonderful and varied progrock!

This new CD contains 12 compositions including new versions of all five tracks from the debut album entitled Transitos. The music sounds on one hand very melodic and in general accessible and on the other hand varied and elaborate. The band has progressed on all levels: a better sound, very matured compositions, a more lush and varied keyboard sound, the guitar work is excellent and the interplay great. To get an impression: a classical sounding piano intro, soon blended with sensitive electric guitarplay and halfway a female choir, conga's and dynamic drums in Dr. Gull I, a swinging piano, howling guitar and a jazzy guitar solo in the catchy Racionalidad, an intro with bagpipe, then varied, often swirling piano work and a wide range of instruments (from the fiery guitar and powerful saxophone to a strongly build-up Minimoog synthesizer with pitchbend) in the captivating La Verbena Hermetica, lots of variety and strong duo-guitarplay with an exciting blend of the guitar soli in La Maha Vishnuda, lots of brass and fiery guitar in the Alquin-like Agua, Fuego & Porexpan and dreamy featuring sensitive guitar and soaring keyboards in Travesia De Las Gaviotas. And in some tracks you can enjoy the sound of the flute traverse, variety rules! My highlights are the two compositions in which Senogul blends several styles and we can enjoy lots of shifting moods: first Tango Mango that sounds as a hybrid of tango, symphonic prog, avant-garde, classical and jazz delivering both synthesizer - and guitar soli as sparkling play on accordeon and harpsichord and second La Mulatta Electrica, loaded with tension and exciting musical ideas, from Al DiMeola-like symphonic jazzrock (fiery guitar and a propulsive rhythm-section) to Prog Andaluz (including palmas/handclapping and jaleos/cheerful shouts) with swinging piano and moving electric guitar runs, how captivating!

In my opinion Senogul has made a very pleasant, alternating and captivating album that showcases the huge talents of this band, highly recommended!



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 Senogul by SENOGUL album cover Studio Album, 2007
3.94 | 22 ratings

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Senogul
Senogul Eclectic Prog

Review by avestin
Special Collaborator

4 stars Variety. That is one keyword that describes Senogul's new s/t album. There are other words, but I'll let you read the review for you to discover them.

What is special about this album is that the use of the variety of styles and sounds is done in such a flowing natural way, as if we were never used to it being different than this, without sounding weird or out of place. It's not that it is a multi-genre record, but there is a clever assimilation of styles in the tunes that Senogul plays, making it their own sound.

The music sounds to me as being "free, open, without barriers", and not as a wall of sound or any other type of dense and thick sound. While not exactly a light-spirit album, it's one that is characterized by an "airy", fresh and "spacious" sound and mood. Senogul creates music that is tender and mellow alongside more dynamic and vibrant tunes. The diversity of the album is manifested in the styles played, tone and ambiance of the tracks (both within and between tracks), instrumentation and musical themes that are presented in each tune. What more, is that since the music is the way it is, I don't feel "drained" at the end of the album, as I do with some other albums that can be an exhausting experience. With this album, I feel that I can listen to it again once I finish listening to it, despite it being quite long. The Senogul sound is highlighted by the keyboards (usually taking a piano sound), their particular guitar sound and their groovy rhythms. Though they are Spanish, there is no strong Spanish sound in their music except for several parts in the tracks that go that way. The guitar does take (though not all the time) a Spanish "accent" that I can also recognize from other Spanish bands.

Some of the tracks on this album are re-recorded versions of the tracks from their 2006 release Transitos and they added several other tracks to create a long and satisfying album with 12 tracks.

I will not do a track by track but I'll point out some of the main aspects of the different tunes here and mention what I liked about them (or not) and what I found impressive or noticeable. The first two tracks in the album are connected making them sort of a one piece. In the first track is also a nice feature the band added in the form of the angelic sounding Coro Melsos (Melsos Choir). The choir comes in late in the first track and they link between both tracks. This choir should have been used more throughout the album. In the second track comes the more dynamic form of Senogul, in contrast with the dreamy, ethereal aspect of the opening track. What I like about the band in particular is the use of various instruments to create that lively atmosphere, a free spirit feel. But even when they use a "basic" rock instrumental lineup, they manage to create a delicate form of power in their music that doesn't sound forceful. With Tango Mango, Senogul present their version of an epic track. At over 12 minutes, there is much going on here in terms of musical ideas, different moods, tempo's, styles and instruments. This is to me the highlight of the album (there are others, rest assured). Opening with a delicate "open sound" guided by guitar and accordion, the music goes on to a more "closed sound" that the keyboards create. There is shifting from a propelling rhythm to laid back parts and then back to a different type of energetic component. There is some tango here, some rock (and some good old symphonic rock bits), some innuendos of Spanish music, and them some. There are several musical themes that the band plays and goes from and back to, all mingling naturally. Even when the band seems to be going over the top (around ~9:10) they still contain themselves, never loosing control and self discipline. La Verbena Hermetica goes on to a Spanish flavoured tune, very groovy and bouncy and along the way "visits" other parts of the Senogul musical map, such as some jazz-rock territory. Microcosmos Blues is slightly more aggressive due to the heavier guitar distortion used (occasionally, not throughout the track) and although the name suggests it, it's not a blues song (although some elements of it can be found) yet the ending of the track is a classic blues ending. Track 7, Gotas De Cristal En Tu Vaso De Iluvia starts mellow with the guitar and flute and they are joined in for a mid-track peak by the rest of the band. From then the music is more structured with the drums being more "present" and the accompanying chords of the keyboards (with a typical organ sound). This and the previous track, Dr. Gull II, are somewhat of a good middle section, giving a "well deserved pause" in the middle of this rather long musical journey. La Maha Vishnuda contrasts the previous two tracks as it goes for a more rock style than other tracks, with more poignant guitars, and drumming. this track maybe short (4:44) and yet they manage in this short time to create a piece that doesn't repeat itself, progresses from the start all the way to the end, by changing and evolving the theme, and the nice vocal line which should have been used more. Agua, fuego & porexpán is a great jazzy tune (at times I thought of Secret oyster, don't know why.), again bouncy as some previous tracks, rich in sound, powerful in its execution. But just when I thought that I figured out the whole track, then at ~2:00 the tempo and whole music theme change and they start a new part, with the same bouncy style but different which in itself has a twist within it. This track shows how Senogul take something that might have otherwise been a rather usual sounding piece and made much more exciting, thrilling, interesting, complex and compelling. Not once does it sound forced to me, it's all perfectly natural sounding, as if playing like this is something everyone does and they are just playing along with the flow. All I can say about this piece - Fantastic! Up there with Tango Mango and La Verbena Hermatica). Travesía de las gaviotas is a nice short mellow tune, rather minimalist compating to the other tracks with regards to the instrumentation used. La Mulata Eléctrica starts strong, with the bass, keyboards and drums playing a tune together, repeating it and then moving on to play another part ending with something that has a slightly Spanish flavour. This track is where Senogul reveal more fully their origins with the clapping in the middle and the Ole and the guitar playing with a Spanish "accent". This track is another fine example to the variety of the band in terms of instrumentation, sound, style and a fine example of how they develop musical ideas and progress from start to end. It is another highlight of this album. This could have been an excellent closer of the album. Dr. Gull III is the longest of those similarly named tracks, and the only one that is really dynamic and probably the one with the most developed musical theme. It also brings back some of the motifs that were used in other tracks (unless I imagine it.). It is a bit more with a sinister mood, but still not overtly dark. I wouldn't have ended with this track and rather use it in the middle like the second part but it is not something detrimental and they chose to end with that for a reason I suppose, so I respect that.

Another thing I think they should have done differently is make more use of the Melsos Choir. It could have given more "colour" to some of the tracks. I said their music is colourful as it si with all the instrumentation, but the choir was a good addition when it was used.

All in all, this is a magnificent release, one that I recommend highly. If you like varied music, enjoyable, well written, rich in sound yet not dense, music that progresses within each track and doesn't stagnate, then this should please you. If someone were to ask me for an example of a band that plays a progressive form of music (not necessarily rock, but it obviously applies to them), then this album would be an excellent example. Give this a chance, go buy it!

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 Tránsitos by SENOGUL album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.38 | 8 ratings

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Tránsitos
Senogul Eclectic Prog

Review by Ranger45

3 stars Released in 2004,'Transitos' is the first 'proper' cd by Spanish five piece Senogul.The album consists of five purely instrumental pieces which exhibit a well integrated band style allied to a high level of musicianship. First track 'Dr Gull/Racionalidad' sets the tone for the album with its nicely paced piano introduction, overlaid by soaring guitar very much in the Steve Hackett mould.The guitar then takes on the main tune, before the piano once more sets the pace for a faster second section, backed by a military beat from the percussion.This is all accompanied by some good jazz-like guitar. 'Tango Mango' is again introduced by the piano,( this album contains much good piano playing!!),the Hackett-like guitar soars and the bass is very much to the fore, lending a distinctly jazz feel.Dual guitars take over, one soars whilst the other provides an arpeggio backdrop.The pace increases, with good guitar and keyboard interchanges and eventually the Tango emerges from almost Accordion-like keyboards giving a more folk sound.This gives way to a more classical section, with a Harpsichord-like sound very reminiscent of Bachs Goldberg Variations!! 'Microcosmos blues' starts with very dark, brooding (Fripp-like) guitar, supported by good bass and background keyboards.That previous haunting guitar sound returns over picked guitar,before the Frippertronics re-appear with jazzy/bluesy keyboards in the background. 'Travesia de las gaviotas' is the shortest track on the album, a Latin jazz-like piece, very redolent of Santana! The final track,'La mulata electrica' , has a fast, frenetic opening featuring keyboards and percussion before the guitar enters and takes turns with the melody.This is probably the rockiest number on the cd, as well as introducing elements of both Celtic and Flamenco music.The pace eventually settles down, the soaring guitar returns and the track plays out with a nice guitar melody overlaying a background organ sound. This is an encouraging debut from Senogul which clearly shows their influences, whilst still creating a sound all of their own which is very egalitarian and doesn't allow one instrument to dominate.I look forward to the next Senogul cd (due at the end of 2006, i believe)!!

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 Tránsitos by SENOGUL album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.38 | 8 ratings

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Tránsitos
Senogul Eclectic Prog

Review by nuevocristianoviejo

3 stars I'm from north of Spain, and, although I don't know about a lot of proggressive groups, I'd be a cynic if I tell my relationship with them is not a factor of influence for my valuation. However, and from musical ignorance, I have to tell I've enjoyed very much listening this album, a good entertainment for profanes, and a very interesting work for experts.

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 Tránsitos by SENOGUL album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.38 | 8 ratings

BUY
Tránsitos
Senogul Eclectic Prog

Review by Prog-Brazil
Collaborator Discographies Edition Team

4 stars I knew Senogul through a friend (the guitar player Israel) this last year. When I see them in progarchives, I listened this album again and I discovered various elements that I didn't see before. This album contains five great symphonic songs. I really liked the first song (in two parts): Dr. Gull and Racionalidad. Mellancolic keyboards in the beggining going to solo guitar, drums, bass, more keyboards... So the song is becoming faster and very very exciting. I love keyboards sound between other instruments! "Tango Mango" begins slowly too, but soon becomes a kind of tango-rock (I think they made accordion effects with keyboards!!). "Microcosmos Blues" gives a spacial atmosphere to album, a fusion contribuition (but you can hear other fusion passages in other songs). "Travessa de las Gaivotas" opens to "La Mulata Elétrica" (maybe the best song of album). Between guitar, keyboards, a great progressive climate. Stop to claps and voices, more strong rock and the song ends remembering its beggining. All this album is very good. Long compositions, strong passions.. these guys play with real feeling! I hope they release more and more albums. Tránsitos is not a proto-prog, it's not art-rock or prog-related. Indubitability, it is a true symphonic progressive like seventy ages. Four stars with honour!!!

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Thanks to Senogul for the artist addition.

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