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KOIAK

Eclectic Prog • Chile


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Koiak biography
Formed in Valparaíso in 2003, the Chilean instrumental group KOIAK is one of the most intense examples of how well a mixture of rock-fusion and heavy progressive works when conviction is strong and imagination is wild. The elements of Crimsonian psychedelia are well reflected on the abrasive guitar inputs, while the flute and percussion manage to keep things freshly connected with a sense of fusion based on Chilean coast side's colors. The ever busy bass draws complex lines that complete the rhythmic basis, at times collaborating with the textures originated by the guitar and flute lines.

KOIAK released their eponymous album in 2005 through Mylodon Records. It was indeed a live recording from a gig in Sala Musicámara (at the University of Valparaiso), in the evening of August 12th, 2004 (a similar approach was taken by FLOTANTE with their debut album, consisting of material gathered from two concerts). The result is an impressive catalogue of powerful, vibrant tracks full of varying moods and atmospheres managed with creative dexterity. It's actually a concept album around the story of a man who is gradually driven toward a state of radical insanity, experiencing some weird events that ultimately lead him to Koiak, which is when his body dissolves into particles. The weirdness of this story is properly reflected on the musical expansions delivered by the musicians track after track.




Why this artist must be listed in www.progarchives.com :
Highly recommended to those particularly keen on the combination of heavy rock and fusion in their prog rock, KOIAK will surely please to those who already appreciate the hordes of Latin American brilliant prog bands with an attitude (MAR DE ROBLES, AKINETÓN RETARD, ERGO SUM, CABEZAS DE CERA, LA PURA REALIDAD), as well as those curious to learn how the heritage experimental prog (like KING CRIMSON or even avant-garde rock) can be reinterpreted in inventive ways that involve the use of Latin-jazz and acid rock.




Discography:
Album 1, live (Koiak (2005))

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KOIAK discography


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KOIAK Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.96 | 5 ratings
Koiak
2005

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KOIAK Reviews


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 Koiak by KOIAK album cover Live, 2005
3.96 | 5 ratings

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Koiak
Koiak Eclectic Prog

Review by Cesar Inca
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Koiak is yet another living proof of the incredible potential of energy and warmth that Chile continually offers to the World of prog. This instrumental quintet's sound is based on the robust confluence of Crimsonian legacy, jazz-fusion (especially inspired by Latin-jazz), psychedelia and folk-prog. In many ways this band sounds pretty much related to their compatriot bands Mar de Robles and Ergo Sum, with a reasonable dose of Akinetón Retard-like insanity. The album's material was recorded live at a Valaparaiso gig, which only adds extra credit to the band's proficiency both as a whole ensemble and individually. It also means that the sonic delivery is a bit uneven in places, but this minor detail doesn't affect the album's artistic value. Rocking energy and celebratory aura are the two main nuclei on which the band's musical skeleton is formed: the former is preferentially based on Agosin's abrasive guitar playing and the latter is provided simultaneously by the dual percussions' drive and the flute lines. The opener 'Obertura' is very carnival-oriented, with 'Sífilis' becoming the band's true presentation of their musical essence to the listener: acid heavy guitars, solid rhythm section, clean flute deliveries, all of them comprised in varying moods fluidly organized. Further on, '5+4+7' will display a similar concept, albeit with an added touch of funky vibe. 'Abismo' (one of the longest tracks) gets started with an introspective mood, extravagantly ornamented with spacey guitar effects. From minute 3 things become more enthusiastically driven toward a mixture of heavy prog and Latin-jazz, with the final passage bringing a peculiar Santana-meets-Crimson climax. 'Nueva Órbita' and 'Odisea' (also among the longest tracks in the album) bring other highlights. The former offers a disturbing ambience similar to that of 'Abismo', only somewhat enhanced by the louder guitar deliveries and the reinforcement of the ethnic aspect in the woodwind department. The latter is bears a more prominent presence of fusion elements, but also contains a number of rockier passages in order to keep things effectively explosive. 'Zandunga' is arguably the most fusion-focused track, with its heavy African-Tropical tones. The closer 'Postludio' is just a brief reprise 'Obertura', ending the album in a pertinent celebratory mood. Koiak really deserves to be appreciated as many other Chilean avant-prog bands are: hopefully, their debut album won't be their last.
Thanks to Cesar Inca for the artist addition.

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