SEMENTE

This is an excellent debut by this Brazilian band and one of the best albums that I have heard from South America in recent years . I guess the music should be described as symphonic progressive with some spacey elements. There's certainly some Pink Floyd influence in it but overall the music can be classified symphonic. They use a lot of flute and sax, which are delivered by Sergio Benchimol. The guitar sound is usually very clear but at times it's a bit distorted and the guitar is also the main reason for the occasional spacey feel. There are also some ethnic influences but they are rather minimal. What I really like is that the band manages to show some originality here as well. This is a band that is not easily comparable to any other groups I have heard. Worth to notice is that this is a self-produced album but that fact doesn't deteriorate it in any way.

There are female vocals in three songs by Marcia Kosinski and in two of the tracks there are male vocals. The female vocals are especially good. Overall, this is very nice music and with a bunch of different influences. I have no idea if this band is still active but hopefully there is still more to come. My favourite track is the opener "Semente" but all the tracks are excellent.

Conclusion: An impressive debut album from this original progressive outfit.

Very good and original brazillian prog-band!!! Their first and unique album is from 1976, but recorded in 1998. I found this piece in Florianópolis/Brazil (where I live) in an old book and CD store by 4 reais (a little more than 1 dollar)!!! What a luck!!! The first song is an instrumental beautiful work. It begins with Benchimol's flute, strong sounds and wonderful harmony. "Insanidade" (insanity) is sung by Márcia, talking about dream/reality human reflexions. "Ninfa Azul" (Blue Nymph) evidently refers to old myth with Benchimol's voice. More than 11 minutes of rock, blues, space rock. in a word: a real progressive rock! One more female vocal: "Novas Forças" (New forces), and the final one: "Mundo Guerreiro" (Warrior world): female and male vocals, debating in a background flute, saxophone and mellotron. Very recommended to symphonic prog-rocks fans! I'm waiting for a second album. Four stars. Five goes only to classics like Genesis, Yes and Elp. By the way, Benchimol has a solo career. If you have interest, there are three songs to free download on http://www.rockprogressivo.com.br. Enjoy!!!