CUEVAS DE ALTAMIRA

Ibio

Prog Folk

3.27 | 41 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

A lost jewel from the seventies ?

"Cuevas" features some brilliant symphonic melodies. Just listen to the title track to be convinced. Production is of course not great but several numbers are worth your investigation.

Besides the title track which features poor vocals but is quite enjoyable otherwise, "La Virulencia..." is a good mix of influences : if one song can be categorized somewhat folkish, it is this one. The structure of the song is a bit difficult to approach, and even if there is a main theme, it seems that it is spreading in too many directions.

My second fave is the short "Las Chicas de Laredo". Fully romantic, melodious, with a passionate guitar play. Very much in the Camel style ("Snow Goose" period).

Some weak numbers as well are featured : "Romance del Conde Lara", "A lo Alto y a lo Bajo" (bass is really invading and is too much on the forefront, another production problem). The folk mood is very much present here as well, but the drumming is rather unpleasant.

The last two pieces of music are the longest one of the albums. "Pastor" features some flamenco-style vocals and real poor lyrics. After having digested these, some nice synth are very much welcome. Short vocals are back again at the end of the song (this could have been avoided).

The closing number is the best track of this work : great keys (synth and mellotron), a scary mood, some subtle Spanish guitar and a great drumming part. Almost eight minutes of pure symphonic music. Bombastic and impressive finale as well.

When I listened to this album for the first time, I was rather charmed. But the more I listen to it, the more I tend to look at it as a decent album, but not really as a jewel. I also believe that it belongs more to the symphonic prog genre that folk.

Three stars.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 | 2007-8-6

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