UN JARDÍN ELÉCTRICO

Progrock?, this one?, I'd rather say Art rock, but even not a very good one, an essential masterpiece?,a must-have? - DEFINITIVELY NO!!! This album was obviously some trial of resurrection of the old band, but actually there is only the drummer left from the original line-up. You will find everything on here apart of progressive rock, not even elements of it, disregarding some keyboards and piano. There is as well not the flamenco input from their earlier records any more. All the songs are very much in a mainstream vein, from AOR-alike ones, one reggae song to heartful ballads. I can't recommend this to any progrock-fan, maybe for the fellows, who like to complete their TRIANA-collection. One star is the absolute maximum!

With all the respect for the man in charge of the sticks in the original "Triana" line-up, he was hardly considered as an essential member of the band.

Almost all the song writing was Jesus De La Rosa's territory and the extremely flamenco-symphonic music proposed by the band had a lot to due to the great work of their excellent guitar player Eduardo Rodriguez. If only he would have teamed up in this adventure of a new "Triana" album, this work would have been more credible.

Now, to be fully honest, I have to say that the band released three very good albums, but started their descent in quality with Un Encuentro.

The music which is featured in this album is more straight rock formatted. Although not bad for most of it, there are hardly great songs as well. My fave from the whole is "La Luna". The passion of the early days can be felt due to the emotional vocals that convey a light flamenco style which was the trade mark of the band.

The reggae tradition is unfortunately back here again: no need to tell you that "Noche Tras Noche" is a "Press Next" song in all its splendour (even if the chorus line is not that bad).

I was expecting the worse before I listened to this album. Of course it is not a good one, but it is not poorer than their output of the eighties IMO. At least they didn't dig into such poor territories as some great and classic Italian bands.

This album just features average rock with here and there some good and passionate tracks ("Sé Que Volverás"). If you would except "La Luna", there aren't any song related to the barrio of Seville from which the band took his name from (although Juan Reina has this typical accent from Andalusia especially noticeable during "Campanas") which ends up in a very good vocal part followed by a well crafted electric solo which unfortunately fades out too quickly.

"La Jara" is another good song from this work. The closing features extraordinary vocals (reminds me of "The Great Gig In The Sky" of whom you might know). Great vocalize.

This album holds very little progressive music indeed, but so was "Genesis" in he eighties. I admit though that this album is only intended to the ones who are curious to dicover how they could sound without the presence of their great mentor. Que descanses en paz Jesus.

Two stars.