NAZCA

I've never been a huge Chamber Music guy but I do appreciate that style and enjoy listening to it once in a while. NAZCA released this gem in 1985 and it is their debut. Apparently UNIVERS ZERO's "1313" was a big influence on them at this time and it shows, although they certainly bring their own unique flavour to the table. Mexico has this strong and healthy Rio / Avant movement and this album is a great example of it. By the way Alejandro Sanchez who plays violin also played with DECIBEL in the seventies.

"De Oir Le Duele La Boca" sounds pretty cool with sparse percussion and bassoon. Piano and cymbals join in then the piano takes over 2 minutes in and it picks up with bassoon and other sounds. Excellent ! Violin after 3 minutes then a calm arrives before 4 minutes along with percussion and piano in a haunting atmosphere. Aboe follows then another calm after 5 1/2 minutes arrives. It's building again then it settles down one last time as it blends into "Sueno Tras La Ventana" where the sparse sounds continue. "El Viaje De Los Muertos" is relaxed with bassoon to open but it kicks in quickly with piano and drums then settles right back down again.Violin and viola take over before 2 minutes.

"Lladotropogato" continues with the strings then bassoon, piano and a rhythm take over. A calm a minute in. Piano and percussion 3 minutes in with other sounds. It's building. So good ! It settles back before 5 minutes then starts to build again 6 1/2 minutes in.This is dark. A calm before 7 1/2 minutes then piano and drums kick in a minute later, bassoon follows. "La Rebelion De Los Colgados" is dark with aboe and piano as the drums shuffle in and out. It's a little dissonant 2 1/2 minutes in. Piano, drums and violin follow then bassoon. It picks up to end it. "Paguros Del Dia Gris" is a short piece led by bassoon, strings and other sounds. "Nazca" opens with acoustic sounds and cymbals. Keys take over with percussion and strings.The tempo starts to pick up before 3 minutes. Bass and bassoon help out as well.

If your into this style this is a must. I didn't expect to like this as much as I do.