LOS ORFEBRES

Pez: one of the most visceral bands of the current National Rock (as it is called in Argentina) that throughout his 10 discs (1 live) and 15 years have demonstrated several styles, like a pretty heavy band punk with dyes (Quemado, and a power issue as No mi corazon coraza) or folk styles (Hoy, with an incredible calmness imposed on Bettie al desierto or the subject of 10 minutes, Hoy) or by pulling the progressive rock (hold your Folklore and Faltan miles de años mas or suite Buda). Los orfebres is one of his biggest works, which seem to mix the heavy style of training Crimsonian Fripp-Wetton-Bruford with dyes synthesizers quiet as coming from imposed by Pepo Limeres. One of the particularities of the disc (which appears on other discs) is that there is no space between subject and topic, as if it were a long track. Excel topics like Spuistraat 249, Ultimo acto, Ni discos de Bob (dedicated to Bob Dylan, the theme has hit the pint, if it were not because the band refuses to such pretencion) and the initial homonym to the album track, although the brutality that has the band on the disc does not compare with what comes out of his recitals. The band return to their instance of power-quartet tax on their first albums and do not seem to want to get out of it, by the fact that there is no acoustic issues. It should be clear that this album is complemented today with his new DVD: Sesion de espiritismo, which records the time of recording the disc and its presentation in vivo, along with other items on his long career. For these reasons, I consider it to disk as an excellent addition to any collection of prog

This Argentinean band switched from early heavy/punk music ("Cabeza" or "Quemado") to a full prog band with their very good "Folklore" album which is IMHHO the best they have produced so far.

This one is quite hectic and tries to mix both ingredients which is quite difficult. I like both genres, but I have not known any band who could deliver these antipodes during the same album .

With "Los Orfebres", it sounds as if they deadly are looking forward to a combination of both of these styles on the same album. Needless to say that these genres don't mix too well (although I love them both).

On the prog side, the stress is definitely on the Crimson side ("Último Acto"). A dark penetration into some gloomy world. But there aren't so much genius out here (would you believe!).

The whole album is a example of skilled forces, genuine technical abilities, and even decent vocal parts to add some Latin flavour. The whole being mixed with a serious jazz feel (you might know that this is NOT my fave type of music).

IMO, this album is more of the calibre of "Convivencia Sagrada" than their very good "Folklore". Having said this, it also means that we are very far from their useless first three albums. This one holds some very fine moments: just listen to the great guitar solo from "Ni Discos De Bob" to be convinced.

The band doesn't forget its heavy roots and displays some very good intro during "Salvages". Almost "Kansas". Just great. As long as the vocals don't start?With those ones in mind, the story is just different?Which means weak.

This album is again a severe collection of heavy tunes. The instrumental "Alejandro Jodorowsky" only sits here to make impression. But who is impressed? I ain't for sure.

With this work, the band reverts to its demons (without any wizards). This is just plain and heavy Spanish music. If you like this style, I can only recommend you to the great "Ñu" for which I have posted lots of reviews.

"Los Orfebres" only ranks average on my musical scale. The attempt of a heavy Spanish Sabbath during "Acelera Sus Latidos" doesn't belong to their best for sure. But none of the songs featured on "Los Orfebres" comes close to this concept. Even if the closing "Existencialismo" is quite decent. It should have remained a pure instrumental though. The complaining vocals are just useless IMO.

Two stars. No more.