BARTÓK IN ROCK

DIALETO is a band from Brazil who have changed their sound it seems almost from album to album. I have their debut and the one previous to this one I'm reviewing and really enjoyed both. "Bartok In Rock" is influenced by Bartok and his Folk stuff and it's all instrumental. A trio of drums, bass and guitar with a surprise guest in David Cross who plays violin on the opening song. The opener and closer are by far my favourites and for my tastes this one pales when compared to the two I have. Apparently there was a lot of improvising going on here I just wish Cross was on for the whole album.

"Mikrokosmos 113" opens with that violin slicing away as rumbling drums then a full sound kick in. Suddenly it's bass and drums only then the violin returns. Themes are repeated. I like the guitar before 3 minutes. A nice energetic opener. "Mikrokosmos 149" opens with bass and drums as the guitar joins in. I like the tone of it but that will change.

"An Evening In The Village" has some interesting sounds to start which are somewhat experimental before it kicks in after a minute. It ends like it began. "Roumanian Folk Dances" is divided into six parts ending with a catchy number. Not big on this suite but there is some variety and I like some of it. "The Young Bride" ends it. It sort of trips along and I keep thinking it's going to break out and we do get a heavier sound eventually.

This just doesn't do much for me sadly despite some stellar moments. Again you should check out that opening track with David Cross on it.