NAVE

I believe this was to be the only album by this Brazilian band. Not much is known of this group but there is a mention in the liner notes that they started in -93 and first participated in the compilation "Tales of Brazilian Rock". The music is Yes influenced symphonic prog but there is some touches of world music and (sadly) prog-metal as well. Not really pure symphonic progressive but without a doubt falls into that genre. The singer Roger Troyjo is good but he sounds a little like a typical prog-metal singer, which I don't like. The production is almost top-notch which cannot often be said even of the albums of new South-American groups.

The album starts with the songs "Sweetness of Freedom" and "Defined Seasons", easily the worst tracks in the album. The band sounds quite different in these tracks compared to the rest of the songs. It's like the influences of the band had changed and these tracks represent the earlier ones. Perhaps the two first songs were written earlier, who knows. From the 2nd track onwards it's a different game, the best tracks being "End of Torments", "Portal" and especially the Brazilian-ethnic instrumental "Dunya".

Conclusion: Good and well-produced progressive.

Starting in early 90's in the region of Sau Paolo,NAVE were a band covering songs of famous 70's prog acts such as Yes and King Crimson.In 1993 they appear on the CD compilation ''Tales of Brazilian Rock'' with the song "End of Torments''.The next year the band had a perfect gig in the Cultural Center of São Paulo in a project named "Progressivos''.This would lead them to the recordings of their first eponymous debut in 1997,which was released by Record Runner.

STYLE: Varied Progressive Rock blending many different styles and loaded with nice keys and guitars.NAVE manage to mix melodic Progressive Rock in a Classic Prog way with refined Jazz-Fusion insstrumental parts in a nice way.There are a lot of cool breaks throughout,going from wilder to softer moments.Keyboard work contain massive attacks of organ,piano and synths.Vocals are in English with plenty of well-performed multi-vocal sections.This album contains it all: Symphonic Rock,powerful Heavy Rock,ethnic influences,jazzy interplays, synth- based dreamy soundscapes.

INFLUENCES/SOUNDS LIKE: YES all the way regarding mostly the vocal-led tracks with a singer trying to sound like JON ANDERSON and plenty of YES-related acoustic parts and atmospheres.Jazzier parts contain ROBERT FRIPP-like guitar work with also hints of CAMEL.The more powerful ones remind me of RUSH or ENCHANT.

PLUS: All arrangements are in the same good level,always way above average.Plenty of different styles and influences,which can please any prog fan around.Unbelievable heavy and deep bass lines of great interest.A nice sense of melody throughout the album.A very good and clean production.

MINUS: Vocal work stands well,but it is pretty accented.Not a touch of originality,even the tracks with world music influences remind me of TONY LEVIN's solo albums.

WILL APPEAL TO: ...any prog fan who wants a mass of different styles in one attractive package.

CONCLUSION/RATING: ''Nave'' is trully a pleasant listening,to which I turn from time to time.Professional performances,lovely sounds,enough complexity.This album deserves much more attention...3.5 stars.