ALTURAS DE MACHU PICCHU

The central piece of this work is the long (just over eleven minutes) "La Poderosa Muerte" (the mighty death). It is indeed a very good song, especially during the instrumental parts. Vocals are weak and dull unfortunately.

The band is closely related to his "tierra" and often cites the Andean mountains or landscapes in their lyrics. I guess that the fact to be far away from your country only increases the need to talk about your origins. They left Chile a long time ago by now (in 73), not only to escape the fury of the regime but simply because they wanted to integrate new sounds to their music.

They travelled and they stayed in Argentina till 77 but were playing live gigs in Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil from their new "home" base. Due to many political problems in these mid-late seventies in South America, the band decided to move to Europe and they choose "la ville lumière" to settle. Because of its cultural aura as well as its central location. It was a complete new slife for "Los Jaivas". They had to start from scratch, since they were completely unknown on the old continent.

Starting with this effort, their albums will be released on both sides of the Atlantic and their fame will grow internationally as well.

This album is a considered as one of their most important and it is true that it holds some good music. A bit more rocking than usual. The great guitar sound I have already mentioned is back again during "Sube A Nacer Conmigo Hermano" (too short, unfortunately). But what kills me are the below average vocals and these awful trumpets. Reminds me more of some parties while I pay a visit to my Mexican step family. Several songs holding weak lyrics as well ("Antigua America", "Aguila Sideral").

This album is their more "adventurous" so far. But a song as "Amor Americano" is fully representative of their native music and holds very few prog elements. One of the weakest numbers together with the opening and short "De Aire Al Aire". Andean ambient music; repetitive and naïve.

I was expecting more of these "Alturas De Machu Picchu". The great "La Poderosa Muerte" seriously helps this album above the average territories. The second best song IMO is the complex "Antigua America". A powerful and fully prog song featuring a great beat and some excellent guitar work. The closing Final is the only one during which vocals are on par with the music. A very sentimental piece of music.

Three stars.

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