COM.UNIÓN

This confidential Mexican band has already released an awful lot of (long) albums since their recording debut in 1994 (but the band has played together since 1979 already). They are also very busy in the organization of the biggest prog festival in Latin America : "Baja Prog" in Mexicali (Northern Mexico).

Their sound has eveloved during all these years. Especially towards jazz with the addition of a sax player starting from their album "Al-Bandaluz". Pepe flores was a guest musician on this work, but from the next one onwards, he will become a full member of the band playing several wind instruments.

"Al Bello" is a definite example of this rather jazzy style but it will feature a great guitar solo. This is very scarce in their work so far : it is usually dominated by the work of Alfonso Vidales, their leader and keyboardist. When not fully instrumental, the vocals with Dino Brassea back on work again (since "Pyramid Of The Rain"). He is maybe not the best vocalist on earth, but he is pretty much decent in his work. His flute play is also enjoyable.

From full English lyrics during most of their career, "Cast" switched to full Spanish ones here.

I have never understood that "Cast" was integrated into the "Neo-Prog" genre. Their compositions are intricated, hard to absorb, difficult to diggest. Symph would certainly fit better their musical style.

When you listen to "Fantasmas Y Demonios" you are really close to KC and really far from neo-prog. Same applies to "Elfonia". The longest song from this work. It starts in an almost pastoral way, but this mood will be several times interrupted with some heavy and powerful passages. Actually, this song is a good equilibrium between soft and melodic music, together with a bit of some heavy cacophony. The whole being rather interesting, especially the middle part which features some great virtuosity (guitar and keys).

It is natural of course that "Sensación Árabe" sounds very much Oriental. At least during the intro. Musicianship is excellent here (guitar and drumming). Complex rhythm and pleasant vocals from Lupita Vidales (Alfonso young sister). This song changes several times from atmpospheres. It is a distinctive track, full of originality. Totally the opposite of "Damajuana II" which starts as a dull instrumental but is saved by some good sax and piano work during the second part. Fully Latin-American rhythms. They already played a song called "Damajuana" on their album "Al-Bandaluz" in 2003.

Not all songs will be jewels of course. "Donde Se Visten Las Serpientes" is one of the weakest songs. It is indeed a profund question ("where are the serpents getting dressed"), but apart from this original title, this song has little to offer. The poorest of all is definitely "Hogar Dulce Hogar". A useless jazzy cacophony. Hopefully it is short (which is its only catchy side). But don't worry, "Cast" will demonstrate again their skills during "El Cojin Verde" an excellent instrumental piece. Guitar again is excessively well played. Bravo.

This album should have been fifteen minutes shorter (but this is a general problem with "Cast". They have always felt that it was vital to produce over-long albums 'like "TFK"). Anyway, it is a pleasant work for two third of it. Three stars.