TARANTULA

Tarantula is one of the many Spanish progrock bands that emerged in the second half of the Seventies, speerheaded by Triana, Blogue and Granada. They have released two albums, these are totally different: the first (1976) contains wonderful, vintage keyboard drenched symphonic prog but the second (1978, another line-up) delivers a harder-edged and more direct approach with hints from early Uriah Heep.

1. Recuerdos (6:00) : The atmosphere in the first and final part alternates between mellow with flute-Mellotron and soft Minimoog flights and bombastic with dramatic vocals and majestic violin-Mellotron eruptions, very moving! The mid-section features an accellaration with Hammond floods and fiery electric guitar, this sound brings German prog bands like Jane and Ramses on my mind.

2. La Araña Y La Mosca (4:20) : First a pleasant harmony of cheerful flute-Mellotron drops, fat Minimoog sounds, Emersonian Hammond waves and fiery electric guitar runs. Then the moods shift from dreamy with tender piano and melancholical vocals to slow with sensitive electric guitar work and a catchy rhythm with a lush vintage keyboard sound (Mellotron, Hammond and Moog).

3. Singladura Final (6:16) : This song starts and ends with a beautiful mellow atmosphere featuring twanging guitar, soft organ waves, a warm string sound and wonderful vocals. The break halfway contains pure rock and roll with heavy guitar and raw vocals, how surprising!

4. Un Mundo Anterior (5:49) : A slow rhythm contains flute - and violin-Mellotron, followed by a very sensitive electric guitar solo and tender piano runs, goose bumps! The tension between the Grand piano, flute- Mellotron and electric guitar is great and carries me away to Progheaven.

5. Imperio Muerto (9:38) : This long track opens with a psychedelic atmosphere due to a haunting organ and ominous fat Moog flights. Then lots of changing climates with sensational Minimoog runs, another rock an roll break and dramatic vocals, excellent!

6. La Danza Del Diablo (3:02) : A mid-tempo song with strong interplay between organ and electric guitar and a swirling Hammond organ solo.

7. Lydia (2:06) : A short piece that sounds Bach-inspired with warm classical guitar and powerful organ.

8. Paisajes Pintorescos (7:00) : This final composition is very alternating with the sound of a harpsichord, fiery electric guitar work and great, very expressive vocals. The final part delivers an up-tempo rhythm with wonderful vocals, lush organ and a harder-edged guitar solo, very dynamic and exciting!

This unknown and often overlooked gem deserves more attention, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!