TRISTES NOTICIAS DEL IMPERIO

Another outstanding Argentinean act from the seventies. This is a band I mentioned a year ago as one that deserved some attention, as does a follow-on Esteban Cerioni band known as Redd Land (and apparently is sometimes also known as the Esteban Cerioni Band). The debut Redd album was made with the support of members of M.I.A., and it shows in the depth of the arrangements.

The variety of instrumental sounds here is quite impressive considering the liner notes only credit three musicians. It probably doesn’t hurt that the drummer also played keyboards (and various percussion add-ons). Cerioni expands the band’s capabilities considerably by adding a string section courtesy of an ARP synthesizer, and Luis Albornoz plays both acoustic and electric guitars with equal advanced ability. There are some apparent influences here, ranging from CSNY-like vocals on “Reyes en guerra” to some of King Crimson’s odd rhythmic experimentation on the title track and elsewhere, to what could be considered a Led Zeppelin rhythm section on “Parche armónico”.

But most of all, this album is full of really graceful compositions that flow out of the trio with disarming ease. I especially like the acoustic guitar and ARP interplay that make up the three-part “Kamala”. This is not your typical three-part progressive tune though; the third part is actually a live recording thrown in on the CD reissue. And while the second part is a studio track, it is sandwiched between a couple other bonus songs on the CD version of the record, and sounds like it was recorded somewhere other than where the first part was. But this doesn’t take a bit away from the smooth and fluid bass/ drum rhythm atop which the ARP strings and Albornoz’ guitars dance. While this isn’t flamenco or salsa or any other kind of traditional Latin music, the inflection (possibly tuning) especially of the acoustic guitar makes it clear these are Latin musicians.

Most of the album is instrumental, although there are a few vocals spread about on the title track, plus “Reyes en guerra” (harmonies no less), and especially on the lengthy “Matinée”. The singers are a bit understated, which in this case serves to accentuate the music’s keyboard arrangements and allow the synth strings to fill in around the guitar. A beautiful song not quite in the symphonic bent of contemporaries like M.I.A., Espiritu or Amagrama, but more like very smooth jazz with a taste of heavy prog thrown in for spice.

But the highlight for me is the title track, a nine-minute plus affair which starts out with a rock drum/ bass beat and soaring synths before slowing down to a jazzy interlude before turning almost eighties hair band just briefly and finally returning to the opening riffs and strings to bring the whole thing to a definitive and solid close. I’ve no idea what statement the band was trying to make with that track, but the variety and seamless transitions are impressive and captivating. A great opening impression for the band’s debut album and brief career.

This albums is quite rare, and from what I understand sold out almost immediately when it was released nearly thirty years ago. But fortunately the Argentinean label PRW reissued it in the nineties, and Musea did as well. An outstanding and definitely eclectic band that wouldn’t last all that long, but left a legacy in this album that is well worth hearing. Four stars and highly recommended to lovers of Latin and world music, symphonic prog fans who like some rock in their prog, and probably to most other progressive music fans as well. Worth seeking out.

peace

Redd started their discography with this little gem of Argentinean prog "Tristes Noticias del Imperio" - a nice musical work very much influenced by Invisible and Genesis, plus unmistakable King Crimson hints and a heavily jazz-oriented approach on the rhythmic department (mainly due to drummer Juan Escalante's vibe). Unlike their sophomore album recorded one year later with an altered line-up, this album doesn't bear a meticulously developed compositional work: the repertoire's main appeal is based on the dynamics created through the interaction of all three musicians, occasionally augmented by overdubbed guitar parts and synth ornaments. Concerning the repertoire, the CD edition states a different tracklist from the one in the original vinyl, but in my opinion the moods are not essentially modified. I'll comment on the CD edition. The namesake opener brings a catchy, deceitfully simplistic motif constructed around the busy drums and Spartan guitar riffs, followed by two distinct sung sections that go from a melodic jazzy scheme to a slightly bluesy hard rock drive. This track really works as an opener despite the fact that it was the vinyl's closure. 'Kamala' brings a set of serene ambiences, mostly relying on the folkish acoustic guitar: it is a pity that the synth ornaments come right before the track ends, because they promised to bring a more elaborated climax. 'Reyes en Guerra' states a mid-tempo rocker whose lyrics portray disillusionment at the military regime that ruled supreme in Argentine at the time: it's arguably the most powerful track in the album compositionally, and indeed, a Redd classic. 'Matinée' is another Redd classic, stating a melancholy mood on a bluesy jazz tempo, slow as the mood demands it be. 'Nocturno de Enero' really should have been longer: the bucolic prologue and epilogue are delivered properly (almost like "Trespass"-era Genesis-meets CSNY), but the jazz-prog interlude deserved a major development in terms of contrast building. This track promised to be more accomplished in terms of writing and arrangements. 'Kamala II' and 'Kamala III' (the latter, a bonus) continue in the soft, reflective mood stated by the first 'Kamala' theme. The two instrumentals 'Parche Armónico' and 'Después de un Mes', recorded live and included as bonuses, find the band exploring their heavy prog side: Escalante really brings it on with his solid drumming. I only wish this side had been more present in the official tracklist. Anyway, this is a very good album from a band that only recently has gained recognition from prog fans over the world. While not equaling the magic of "Cuentos del Subuselo", "Tristes Noticias" is a very good sample of the kind of prog created in South America in the good old times.

2.5 stars...

REDD were a short-lived prog band of Argentinian origin,formed in mid-70's in Tucuman,after the demise of ''La pequena banda de tricupa''.The later had a good live activity in Buenos Aires,but didn't manage to release anything.Two members of the band,Luis Albornoz and Juan Escalante, decided to follow a more challemging path,adding Esteban Cerioni behind the drums.Towards the end of the decade REDD came in touch with ''M.I.A.'',who helped them record their debut ''Tristas noticias del imperio''.

This is mainly an eclectic mix of sounds,drawing influences from psych rock,jazz and blues,even light symphonic rock,but all wrapped under a very mellow and slow-tempo atmosphere.Acoustic guitars are the main instrument here with some soft sophisticated passages,followed by tracks with psych,almost fuzzy electric guitar work with good breaks.The rhythm section delivers a lot of blues and jazz influences,yet this is always following the generally calm atmosphere.There is even some pastoral,light symph parts,characterized surprisingly by the nice and sensitive vocal lines.It should also be added that the band's sound resembles more to a group from early-70's than a band entering the 80's...this is a decent album actually with a few good moments,but a lot of mediocre and forgettable ones as well...but its main problem is the lack of dynamics and energy throughout....maybe a good addition for fans of acoustic-based relaxed progressive rock.

Argentinian trio REDD was formed in 1977, and "Tristes Noticias del Imperio" was to be the first of two albums this band issued before disbanding. While they were a highly talented act, a disease affecting the hearing of drummer and keyboardist Escalante diagnosed a few weeks after the completion of this debut effort caused an abrupt stop to the further development of this band, and while a new formation recorded a second album this constellation fell apart, and it wasn't until 1996 this production saw a belated release. This reissue from 2009 of their initial album comes courtesy of Argentinian label Viajero Inmovil Records, and features 5 bonus tracks. It was released in the memory of Juan Escalante, who passed away due to cancer in 2005.

"Tristes Noticias del Imperio" is a good quality effort through and through, a production that has stood the test of time very well indeed. And while perhaps not exploring the most advanced fiels of the progressive rock universe it is an effort that merits a listen by those who have a general fondness for art rock, with followers of artists like Pink Floyd and King Crimson as a likely key audience. Existing fans should find most of the bonus material to be worthwhile as well, as this is one of those rare instances where the additional material is just about as interesting as the rest of the release.

Strange album.......

I have given this album a lot of my time recently due to not be able to fully able to make up my mind about it. Hence; not able to write a review.

Well, most of this album feels like a proto- post rock album. That is my main impression. But there is also a lot of real proto-prog and not at least; space rock in this album. Jefferson Airplane springs to mind. So does Velvet Underground too. But Gentle Giant is also present here. The Spanish vocals also gives this album a special flavour. Add some Radiohead too. Wow, this is a rather unique album.

The music is based on the vocals and with some help from tangents (organ, piano), drums, bass, electric and acoustic guitars. The music is more mellow than symphonic and bombastic.

The music is good throughout the album. There is no outstanding tracks, but no weak tracks either. It is a good debut album from a band who recorded this album during difficult circumstances. And that is all I can say about this album.

3 stars

A very beautiful album of this band from Argentina, from final od seventies decade. Some guitar acoustic and piano parts, made some classic progressive tracks, very balanced and very beautiful. Lyrics are in Spanish, with a melodic male voice, that makes a musical environment calm and quiet, very pleasant to hear. When we hear this album, we noticed that the main influence are the Blues and some Jazz calm. The moments of rock give this musical work, the emotional moments that are of good quality, with a sixties guitar sounds. A good job of bass and drums, instrumental moments with long, well played and worked for the musicians in the band. A good album from Argentina Progressive scene, that give to progressive universe, some very good music bands and moments. A good adiction from seventies collectors. I give 4 stars

Hi ! Back after a few weeks to bring you Sad News From The Empire (Which in fact is the english translation of this album`s name) Founder member, alma matter bassist, singer and main composer friend Esteban Cerioni passed away last weekend, at his homeland and Redd base, Tucumàn province, Argentina. We had several afternoons at home sharing cofee and music, mainly his. Incredible is I can remember him saying, almost joking but not so... "If I`m to die, let it be playing on stage... There you are, yo got it.... To the music Itself : There could be two different reviews of this same album. LP version must be rated (IMHO) as 4 and a half stars. No, this is no "Eclectic Prog", this is just a fantastic very homogeneous record. OK, Opener "Reyes en Guerra" is very much as that "Easy Money" from Lark`s Tongues in Aspic, in fact band`s name In words of Esteban himself was a "Red" tribute Expert listeners may find some little PFM influences too here and there. That`s all regarding Influences Dpt. for the rest what you get is one of the five best argentinean real progressive rock records. General mood is ethereal, somewhat nocturnal. Very scarce LP release, and oftenly pricey. Other review could be that of it`s first release on CD on brazilian Progressive Rock Worldwide Records with tracks on different running order for no reason and 3 disposable live bonus tracks with awful sound quality. Thank God you can also get argentinean Viajero Inmovil records release on CD in miniature LP replica sleeve release , its 6 tracks on their original running order and several outtakes and live cuts this time on much more listenable audio quality. Get it the way you can but dont miss this real masterpiece.

The first thing I will say about this album is that, in several respects, it exceeded my expectations. It has a very original sound (especially considering it was released in 1978). I can't even notice a definite influence, only small traces of Pastoral... But the instrumental performance has a unique style. Melodies perhaps inspired by centuries past. "Reyes En Guerra", "Nocturno De Enero" and "Matinee" are three good but very similar songs... And, despite their originality, they are somewhat tedious. They could be merged to form a suite. The high point of the album is the instrumental song "Kamala", which is divided into two parts. It is the most fun and creative section of the album.

It gets its 3 stars because of its authenticity. If I didn't know it was an Argentinian band, I would blindly bet that it is.

PS: It's interesting the comparison between the lead vocalist and Pedro Aznar's voice. I would never have known that Pedro was so influenced by Juan Escalante if I didn't listen to this album.