MAGMA

Formed in 1974 in Parana, Entre Rios, Argentina, Magma were led by singer Alberto Felici and the early line-up included also Ernesto Mockert and his brother Jorge along with Sergio Petrich.It wasn't though until early-80's, when Magma had a chance to record an album with only Felici and Ernesto Mockert from the early days along with drummer Mario Caligaris, keyboardist Alfredo Ibarrola and flutist Luis Rocco.Their debut ''Canto para una consagracion'' from 1982 was released in the small private label Wormo, managed by M.I.A.'s Lito Vitale.

The album kicks off with the eponymous track, which is a soft flute-driven Folk Rock piece with a smooth rhythm section and a pastoral atmosphere.However Felici's incredible crystal-clear vocals are the absolute highlight already from the start.With the 9-min. '' Araucaria'' things become more serious.Delicate Prog Folk with a dreamy atmosphere, where moog synths eventually make their appearance all the way, adding a district symphonic touch.Flutes and Felici's voice are again dominant.''Eveda, Juntando Pan En El Parque'' sees a return to the opening style.Sweet Folk Rock with piano, percussions and flutes on the front, still a slight symphonic touch is evident on the arrangement.'''La Ultima Vuelta De Calesita'' is an opportunity for Magma to present their already obvious progressive roots.Opening with a great synth/piano/electric guitars introduction, the track moves on with a mix between soft Progressive Rock and vocal-based Folk with synths and piano dominating and Felici in great shape.Magma's debut closes with the longest song, the 12-min. ''Un Pequeno Tema Para Jugar'', definitely the most interesting and dramatic composition of the album, eventually the electric guitars are in evidence, the synth work delivers clearly a symphonic mood, the piano work is great and, while there is still plenty of vocals, there is also room for some fine instrumental weirdness.

This is an album with a very relaxing atmosphere overall, the time of its release would not allow some trully bombastic prog musicianship, but there are plenty of decent arrangements in Magma's debut, not to say the vocals are among the greatest to be heard in the league.Recommended, especially for fans of Progressive Folk Rock and soft Symphonic Rock.

A splendid blend of South American folk, psychedelia, and contemporary jazz are on display on this compilation CD. The first two Magma LPs are contained herein. Produced as they were by Lito Vitale by MIA, they came with instant prog credentials, and remain the most collectible items in the Magma discography, the original recordings commanding high prices.

The main features of the Magma sound at this point are mellowness, plaintive and yet gentle vocal harmonies, omnipresent flutes, and highly poetic lyrics in Spanish. It is definitely not for those into heavier prog or even heavier symphonic prog, but more for those among us who enjoy reflective beautiful music, but even there I find much to be somnolent. In the end, while it's all nice, only those tracks which go beyond mere pleasantness end up distinguishing themselves. "Araucaria" does so by its strong and varied melodies. The real highlight of the first half (and hence the first original album) is the 12 minute "Un pequeno tema para jugar", which builds slowly into a simply stunning vocal and electric piano exercise.

The second half, and what I can only conclude represents the second album, "Transformacion" from 1985, is the stronger, incorporating more sprightly jazz elements as in "Posdata para una resureccion", which has a gorgeous melody in the emotional chorus. "El loco de las puertas" is a relatively lively blend of Andean folklore and prog, and the closer, the song "Transformacion" itself, creates a concoction of combined expressive flute and vocals which displays Magma at their best.

Not an all guns blazing type of progressive group, Magma nonetheless possesses the capacity to cool and solidify in your subconscious. Recommended for those who like prog but also want to relax.