CRUCIS

It's been fun comparing CRUCIS' first two studio albums to one another because there are differences yet they both sound so amazing. The second one seems to focus more on the instrumental play with these long instrumental solos and only one song with vocals. It also has more of a jazzy flavour with longer tracks. Yet I prefer this their debut. Go figure ? It is a close call though. This is such a melodic yet complex record, with very good sound quality. I have to mention the drummer who absolutely shines throughout.

"Todo Tiempo Posible" opens with pulsating organ as drums, guitar and bass join in quickly to create a full sound. Vocals a minute in. I really like the tone of the guitar. The mellow sections are my favourite parts as his vocals soar. The sound gets more intense after 3 minutes. "Mes" is atmospheric to start with until a melody comes in before a minute. Great guitar sound follows. The tempo shifts quite a bit during this song. The organ, guitar and drums are outstanding. Check out the drumming 4 1/2 minutes in. "Corto Amanecer" has this fabulous organ intro that comes and goes throughout. Nice. Vocals also come and go. Lots of tempo changes on this one as well.

"La Triste Vision Del Entierro Propio" feaures these classical sounding keys. Lots of organ, bass and guitar. It sounds so good when the vocals come in around 2 minutes. "Ironico Ser" is heavier and more uptempo. Some nice organ runs as well.Vocals on this one too. I was reminded of FOCUS after 2 1/2 minutes. Great drumming as usual with a guitar solo to end it. "Determinados Espejos" is my favourite song on here. Love the organ play early in this instrumental. This song just seems to get better as it plays out. Check out the moog. Guitar comes ripping in at 2 1/2 minutes as drums continue to lay down some great patterns. The guitar goes on and on for about 2 minutes. Nice. "Recluso Artista" has some fine bass and drum play to open. Vocal melodies are cool 1 1/2 minutes in. Great sound when the organ comes in after 2 minutes. A change 3 minutes in as the tempo picks up. It does continue to shift as organ and drums shine the rest of the way.

This is a gem from Argentina that is well worth 4 stars.