A PRESENÇA DAS FORMIGAS

The overall sound of the LP is highly reminiscent of JÚLIO PERIERA's 1990s work, with slow tempos and perfectionist execution. LPs like O meu Bandolin or Lau Eskutara immediately come to mind. It is a peculiar take on folk music, with excitement and sentiment largely hollowed out, focusing almost entirely on form.

A remarkable aspect of A PRESENÇA DAS FORMIGAS's music is the lack of innovation vis-à-vis contemporary Portuguese folk peers. In what concerns folk itself, this is primarily a backwards looking band, lacking the thrill of modern bands like VELHA GAITEIRA or SONS DA SUÉVIA. Regarding the progressive side, it is also nowhere near trailing ground- breaking paths, as did DIABO NA CRUZ, and of course, the modern folk rock reference in Portugal: DAZKARIEH.

Neither rock, nor progressive, it is not really possible to rate this LP high at ProgArchives. However, the excellent musicianship and the beauty of some of the melodies make it certainly worth of a listen.

The music of "A Presenca das Formigas" is so fresh and decorative. There are no ugliness, just pure and genuine music which links the past and the present beautifully. It's wonderful to hear something that is not in English and not has to be rock music. Though is the music absolutely progressive. It's lovely to hear the Portuguese guitar and the accordion. The record holds a high standard and it's even. You can play it at one occation and you'll not get tired of listen. Some of my favourites are "Vai tão Sozinho"(9/10), "Dá-me o Amanhã"(8/10), "O Pulo do Lobo"(8/10) and "Senhora do Almortão"(8/10). These tracks are those who best combines a nice melody with great instrumentation and genuineness. I also like all the other tracks more or less and I definitely think this is a record that is worth checking out, if you are interested in exciting music with lines back and big attention. I hope more people will find this album!

I have just heard two albums in Portuguese before and I have liked what I have heard. It's a lovely language and this is a progressive record I recommend. Four stars!

The basic elements of the ensemble are the clean and ethereal female vocals, the soft acoustic interplays, the folky arrangements based on traditional instruments and the overall melodious feeling towards accesible and mellow musicianship.I cannot detect much of the rumored progressive leanings of the band, apart from some interesting bass lines, vocal harmonies and calm instrumentals with a bit of richer sound.To my ears ''Ciclorama'' sounds more like a melodic Folk/Folk Rock album with a poetic atmosphere, a bit like compatriots BANDA DO CASACO or PETRUS CASTRUS' first album, displaying a physical tendency towards a nice lyricism and some slightly intricate arrangements.Another issue comes from the album's dynamics, propably the absence of electric textures or more adventurous instrumental parts are the reason for this.Otherwise this work has some doses of decent musicianship to offer to anyone in love with ethnic sounds, lots of percussion, violin, mandolin, accordion and flute in a rural and nostalgic atmosphere.There are also fair amounts of piano included, but even so the overall style is closer to the Singer/Songwriting stylings.When Miguel Cardoso becomes more active the music suddenly becomes more emphatic, unfortunately these parts are too few for this effort to be appreciated by a wider basis of Prog fans.

Portuguese Folk combined with pleasant and romantic Art Pop/Rock arrangements.Not a priority, very relaxing stuff, propably heading for the strict lines of Folk/Folk Rock fans.