AQUELARRE

The band's eponymously titled debut appeared in the summer of 1972 and featured six tracks that added up to about 38 minutes of playing time. With a sound that was characterized by a bluesy 60s style of heavy psych that was animated to higher levels courtesy of the dualistic one / two punch of Starc's feisty guitar performances and Neira's energetic organ deliveries, AQUELARRE attracted a loyal following. Starc's famously delivered a distinct guitar tone courtesy of the pleasing distortion obtained through a tweaked Les Paul. The mix of 60s heavy psych and the more contemporary powerful riffing and soloing of hard rock offered a unique bridge between the two eras in early 70s Argentina which was a few years behind in the timeline when compared to its European counterparts and the more developed prog that followed. Likewise the organ runs delivered the same hybridization effect of 60s psychedelia along with the more proto-prog leanings of transitional bands that permeated Europe around the 1969-70 timeline.

While based heavily on 60s style songwriting styles, what made AQUELARRE stand out were the extended composiitons and sparing use of off-kilter time signature deviations. The album delivered somewhat of a jamming style of improvisation that offered feisty guitar riffing and ripping licks and leads. While the songs themselves (sung in the Spanish language) were more steeped in 60s heavy psych, the instrumental prowess of the musicians was up to speed and ready for prog prime time however that would have to wait until the band's second album "Candites." The compositions were built around the guitar parts therefore that instrument dominates the album however both bass and drumming aspects delivered not only impeccably tight rhythmic drives but also offered enough variations as to elevate them above and beyond the call of mere rhythmic duty.

This style of early prog was quite popular in Argentina, especially the Buenos Aires scene and AQUELARRE attracted a large following with ease with a large number of sold out concerts after the release of this album. The heavy psychedelic sound was the perfect gateway drug to introduce the nation to the more advanced prog technicalities that were being churned out on the European continent in a glut of overabundance. While considered an early form of progressive rock, what ALQUELARRE delivered on this debut was more of a transitional sound between the earlier works of Almendra and bands like Pappo's Blues and the more sophisticated Argentine prog that wouldn't take off until the mid-70s. The band evoked the heavy psych sensibilities of the American and European 1960s more than anything but offered enough progressive elements to attract those who embrace those in-between types of albums.

Overall i find AQUELARRE's debut to be a nice enjoyable slice of early 70s heavy psych with prog leanings but not as captivating as the fully developed prog that the nation developed in the latter half of the 1970s by top tier acts such as Bubu, M.I.A, Arco Iris or Alas. The strength of the album is the richness in tones, timbres and general flow of the musical deliveries with nice instrumental interplay and pleasant to the ears lyrics sung in the Spanish language however on the down side the album sounds a bit anachronistic for 1972 and plays it too safe leaving the progressive parts feeling a bit unsatisfying and gimmicky rather than fully integrated into the band's overall cohesiveness. This album has become somewhat of a classic over the ensuing decades as the wealth of music from Argentina has become known to a wider world audience. For my liking however it's a nice competent and decent listen but doesn't quite get my juices flowing like other Argentine acts of the same era.

3.5 rounded down

I have to say I'm surprised at how much I enjoy this record. I just love their sound and they have some attitude. The bass player did the cover art which is a classic when it comes to South American Prog albums. Every song on here is good to great, my kind of album. In fact I couldn't come up with a top three even as I checked every track on here, they are all good. Singing is in Spanish. The one song that's a little different is that fifth track with some ukulele even provided by the guitarist. More of a folky vibe on this one but it's uplifting to me. The opener might be my favourite, very energetic and catchy with repeated themes and I'd say the same about the third number on here.

Another outstanding release from Argentina, I'm so glad to own this one. Love that attitude.

Take for (not the only) example the track 4 "Brumas en la bruma", with a picture-in-words that sets the listener right into a surreal experience of nature, involving a re-invention of the language that I must call nothing short as "impresionist". Add the exquisite orchestral arrangement to that, and you will get the idea that crosses the entire album: perfect union of poetry and sounds.

Providing changes in form of odd time signatures, sudden quiet parts, rapid changes of leading instruments, simply Prog as most of you know it. Still pleasant to listen though, even not as enjoyable at the first sight as what will follow. Indeed, it's not usual to go from last album to first, but it can provide interesting results sometimes.

There are also parts that sounds like Rock (wild guitar solos like on some Led Zeppelin record - last part of Milagro Del Pueblo).

4(-), even not exactly my kind of Prog, its qualities are clear I think.

There is strong scent of happy atmosphere, pouring from each second of this record, happy atmosphere, band having fun making this album and so on. Why not, this only helps.

Be it first seconds of Pájaro De La Locura where this great sounding keyboard stars the show (I wish I remember the name of this instrument), multi-vocal harmonies that are present in various tracks, original melodies (interesting ones), beautiful second part of Canto Centrino.

It's hard to be so melodic and not being pathetic / cheesy (call it as you wish), but guys from Aquelarre manages to stay at the top with this album.

5(-), one of the best ones. Because it's hard to be so beautiful.

Concise, even short album (32 minutes long) filled with wonderful music. I ain't sure this one is Psych Prog - it's more on folky/Proto-Prog side, with some noticable Symphonic influences. If you like Spanish Prog acts like MEZQUITA and TRIANA, you may try this one - it's a bit less adventurous and definetely not recommended unless you're aware of what you want. Not bad at all, but not that kind of Forgotten Gem you utterly need. Some influences from major acts like GENESIS and SUPERTRAMP are also scattered here and there as well, and it makes music more familiar and enjoyable. Recommended with a note.