II

Released less than an year after its debut, 14 Bis sophmore work is very good, but not as much as their electrifying beginning. Commercially it faired better than the previous one helped via radio hits like Nova Manhã, Caçador de Mim (great orchestration!) and Planeta Sonho. Unfortunatly they kind of left behind their great acoustic/eletric mix for a more urban sound. The songwriting is also not as powerful and convincing, although it did have its moments (including their best and most progressive track ever, the instrumental 14 Bis parts I and II). Actually not one song is really bad, but I still think this CD was put out a little bit too soon. If they had waited a little longer they could have produced a masterpiece like their outstanding first.

Nevertheless, it proved more than anything they were a talented bunch. They also proved there was an audience for this kind of elaborated music in the 80´s. Critics were not helping, of course (they were billed as an outdated outfit), but fortunalty their songs were very popular and found a niche among us who loved the 70´s style way of playing prog rock. As usual there are some references here and there, specially nods to the Beatles and The Rolling Stones in the arrangements. I guess it was interesting at the time but I found it a bit annoying nowadays. But that´s just my opinion and those things did not spoil the overall sound in any way. Production and mixing are surprisingly good for the time.

In the end I found this CD to be very pleasant. Quite different from their debut, but still very strong and very cherished by fans. However, I still think you should check their discography in chronological order for better appreciation. 3,5 stars.