CRIATURAS DA NOITE

O TERÇO is doubtlessly the most important symphonic band in the Brazilian scenario, and I'm quite sure that they are also important in the continental range (I put things in the present tense, 'cause they are still ACTIVE). The original line-up grouped in 1968 and since the beginning they did art-rock and although they grabbed influences from Procol Harum, Moody Blues, late Beatles, etc, the main fuel came from their proper country, be it popular or folk or even experimental and avant-garde. They were very original, if you consider the real time, and influenced many other prog acts, since they were heard in many parts of Latin America and Europe too, hence they need to be more recognized and appreciated as bulwarks of the prog-rock.

That said, after a 3-year hiatus, in 1975, they released "Criaturas Da Noite" which happens to be their magnum opus and with at least 2 noticeable features:
First, a different line-up, led by the omnipresent Sergio Hinds and adding the figure of Flavio Venturini, who proved to be an asset to the band, with his tangible lyrics, fine keyboard playing and brilliant singing ability - one of the most tuned voices amid all Brazilian singers. O TERÇO, a band always very concerned in the singing section reached then an impressive paramount; and
Second, the incredible deed, certainly dubious for some prog-heads, of hitting three tracks on the parade.
What? Well, follow me.

'Hey, amigo', the first track in the album, was one of the mentioned hits, a nervous and swung hard rock that was a fine choice to open the can. The folk 'Queimada' did also the parades and what a nice melody it is, provided with heart-of-the-country guitars and soft and catchy vocals.

'Pano de fundo' starts album's middle-section with powerful playing and singing, soon softened with the mellow and romantic 'Ponto final', an intermezzo before the rockabilly 'Volte na próxima semana' begins, with its funny and amusing tunes.

'Criaturas da noite', the third hit of the album is the most beautiful track heard here, a dreamy and unique song - what a majestic vocals and mesmerizing tunes! Truly unforgettable. 'Jogo das pedras' is a neat and exquisite short song that prepares the ground for the mini-epic '1974', a rare and splendid work, one of the best prog songs ever produced in Brazil. Think in all good things our beloved genre can produce, do you? You'll find them all waiting for you in '1974', a year to last forever for the band.

As soon as the album is fading a feeling with a blend of joy and sadness passes by the spine. was it real or another dream? Even not being exempt of certain flaws, "Criaturas Da Noite" is a definitive landmark in the band's catalog and mainly in the entire Brazilian prog-rock landscape, hence an incontestable masterpiece.