ARBORESCENCE

Arborescence was my first (and until now the only) experience with this prolific english band. I bought it in 1994 or 95 and I still remember how I was amazed by their musical mayhem. They sounded like no one else and I had never heard such powerful instrumental prog so far. It was an expensive import CD, but I bought it anyway. My friends at the time were also surprised when I showed them my new acquisition. I stil think it is a nice album after all these years, although it is also clear that you have to be in the right mood to really enjoy it.

This band does a pretty good job here, with some swirling space keyboards, terrific guitar lines and a fantastic rhythm section that´s sure the album´s highlight: bass and drums are the strongest points of the band and set them apart from most space rock/psychedelic groups. Those are the anchors that hold the band´s sound to the ground and don´t let them go too spacey and/or freakish. All ttracks have an excellent structure although several tracks sound out of control at first. The title track is the only one that scapes from this pattern, being a kind of ambient/new age tune. I found this album varied and very well done with no fillers, even if the production is not really the best. The only reference I can see here is maybe Hawkwind. Otherwise, I found them quite original.

Even if not the kind of music I listen to very often, Arborescence is a nice addition to any prog lover collection. Anyone interested in good instrumental prog should check this out. I´m planning to get some of their other CDs soon, but I can give this one a four star rating without thinking twice. Recommended.