MUNDOS BIZARROS

Good news, great news from Peru for the world of prog rock - Flor de Loto have just released yet another highlight album entitled "Mundos Bizarros", and oh, how it rocks! This third album features flutist Junior Pacora (the "new kid in this block" since the latest third of 2007), and the fact is that the inconstancies occurred in the flutist's department have not affected at all the sense of power and tightness that patently prevail in Flor de Loto's integral sound. The tracklist of "Mundos Bizarros" brings a straightforward statement of energy and colorfulness that by now must be amply acknowledged by all those familiar with this band's discography and live performances. Generally speaking, this album finds the band exploring the enhancement of contrasts between their soft and rocking sides, in this way bearing a tendency toward darker moods. Maybe it would be accurate to say that the rocking side has assumed a certain preponderance, but still this is an eclectic band with strongly planted fusionesque roots. Also, the composing skills exhibited here show a bigger confidence in the use of unusual time signatures and bold shifts in moods and tempos. "Mundos Bizarros" bears a sort of musical darkness (not overblown) that in the previous two releases had only been partially alluded to. The brief alleatory woodwind washes instilled on spacey bass guitar arpeggios create an 'Intro' for the wild energy of 'La Fortaleza', a spectacular semi-opener that brings a peculiar combination of intelligence and rawness; the same goes for 'Volver a Nacer', which in many ways is a continuation of the preceding track. 'Shamballa' pretty much continues in the same vein, although it is properly attenuated in order to emphasize the exotic airs that set the main motifs - this one and 'La Fortaleza' comprise some of the most impressive flute solos by Pacora, he really drives these tracks to otherworldly dimensions. The final echoes of 'Shamballa' are segued into 'Amnesia', the first staple of evocative romanticism in the album. As usual, Alonso's singing and acoustic guitar chops are taken to a featured stance. This lyrical side of Flor de Loto will later resurface more brilliantly in 'Nubes Oscuras' and 'Noche Azul': the former has a lovely prelude shaped in an Argentinean zamba tempo, the latter states a more ethereal feel (but it should have had a longer expansion... anyway...). 'Danza Celta Part II' is, naturally, a second Celtic-rock statement related to the 'Danza Celta' comprised in the "Madre Tierra" album: in comparison, the one in the "Mundos Bizarros" album has a more robust sound and a more exciting framework of arrangements. Still, more solid numbers are 'Habitante de un Mundo Imaginario' and 'Atlantis'. The former is a very versatile journey through the usual suspects' influences (Maiden, Tull, DT) that brings a convincing balance of fusion and prog-metal, with a liberal use of exotic vibes; the latter does the same with a major accent on Celtic moods, a more powerful rocking environment and an important presence of psychedelic overtones. For both tracks, the fluidly oiled rhythmic machinery provided by Puccini and Jarrín brings a proficient foundation. 'La Puerta Dorada' is a nice reminder of the Andean prominence that had made the most of the "Madre Tierra" album. Finally, the namesake track signifies the first Flor de Loto epic (or mini-epic): its 11 ½ minute span is well worked on with melodically defined motifs, naturally ordained links among varied tempos, an impeccable balance between the acoustic and electric passages and a reasonable use of the track's inherently bombastic potential. The similarities to Tull, Rush, Maiden and Solaris remain easily noticeable, but all in all, this is pure vintage Flor de Loto taken to a higher degree of musical ambition. The real closer of the album is an edit version of 'Amnesia', but for practical purposes, 'Mundos Bizarros' must be appreciated as the apt culmination of this new Flor de Loto release. Good news from Peru for the world of prog - Flor de Loto remains a big name in the worldwide realms of prog-folk, being still a young band, but mostly, from some time ago, a consummate veteran unit.