TERRENO BALDIO

TERRENO BALDIO is apparently known as the Brazilian GENTLE GIANT, but they don't seem nearly as complex to my ears. As a result, they are an easier listen, almost too easy in fact, as no matter what I am doing while listening seems to be more engrossing than this material. The sound is somewhere between GG and RPI with some Brazilian flavor to be sure.

It seems prog by the numbers to me, with calculated contrived passages designed to captivate the inner time signature nerd. "Despertar" is a good case in point, although, like several of the other tracks ("A Volta" for instance), one can discern a competent ethnic groove trying in vain to surface but being thrown a anchor at the precisely wrong moment. The most GIANT like piece is also the lengthiest, and it has its moments through the ADHD haze, but the two most successful tracks are the gentle " Loucuras de amor" which reminds me of more symphonic groups, and the more in-character "Água que corre" which seems to hit the group's quirky lyricism on a high note and includes fine vocal work.

Needless to say I'm not enthralled, but others will be, and I could understand why. My big problem is that it seems artificial, with less commitment to the composition or the song than the clever playing. That's pretty much my problem with the GIANT too. Gets an extra half star for the Brazilian undercurrents, but loses it again for suppressing them.