DISCOVERIES

SETI - this intresting prog rock band from Chile taken the name after a NASA program - Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence, was formed around 2004 around excellent multi instrumentalist Claudio Momberg who already had another band named Subterra. SETI released so far two albums at great chilean label Mylodon. The second offer named Discoveries is to my ears a real winner, issued in 2010 got world wide very good feedbacks both from fans as from critics. Quite lenfght album, with lenghty pieces, long instrumental passages, vocals this time sung in english, excellent skills and very good sound overall. The music goes towars symphonic prog with some neo prog hints but in some parts there are some edgy passages with a harder edge, the combination of those elemets are made in great manner and with good vision in what direction the piece will take. I like a lot Jaime Scalpello vocal tone, fiting like a glove in this kind of music, also featuring here as special guest top notch vocalist Daman Wilson one one piece - Ellipse, aswell his special unique tone of voice is perfect for such music, well done job as always. As I said lenghy pieces, 4 out of 7 total has over 9 min, complicated arrangements, twists and turnes, the duels between guitar and keybords are excellent, some really fantastic passages on Underground or The inner outside. Most of the time the instrumental sections are bombastic well played with many catchy and memorable parts, as must have a prog rock album. I really like it , even SETI gone little under the prog radar, and definetly needs far more recognition, this second offer aswell the first are among the best Chile has to offer in last years. From me 4 stars, excellent album with many demandic arrangements. Nice artwork and overall package. For fans of elaborated prog something similar with Galleon, Yleclipse, Marillion here and there even with Ayreon in some parts or Erik Norlander solo albums. Recommended for sure. An unfairly unnoticed band.