EL SILENCIO DE LAS ESTRELLAS

Inspired by classical and baroque tradition , as well as infusing the vintage mellotronic touch so revered by the prog community, this Argentinian composer, multi-instrumentalist and keyboardist has released a variety of shorter EPs that underline his instrumental playing skills as well as opening a window into his musical soul. For half a century , I have decried the paucity of use of the harpsichord on prog albums, a crime of the century to say the least. I also have a previous EP "Preludios para Clavecin" (2022) that showcases that delightful Renaissance instrument. I normally never review EPs but rules are meant to be bended, though never broken, and in this scenario, I consider this work to be a five-part suite.

Opening up with quite the ideal display on "El Palpitar de la Tormenta", the delicate tingling sound comes to awaken romantic sensations of times gone by, modernizing the arrangement with soft dosage of mellotron sheathing, piano rivulets, synthesizer twirls and a modest percussive pulse. The title track wastes little time in rekindling 'starless' images of a famed Red Monarch, the celestial lights emanating in silent reverence, passion and unimpeachable melodic beauty, even hinting at saxophone interventions that will send the message of " fear that tomorrow , we will be crying". The variations surprises by veering off into complex piano fluttering this side of jazz, pummelling drum propellants and , of course, those gloriously majestic mellotron symphonics we all love. The swaying "La Danza del Tiempo" explores more strenuous images, a timeless waltz through various Hammond organ sequences, sax-synth colorations, fascinating electro-tinged harpsichord details, and more orchestral infusion from the big white machine. "Sonando con Angeles" settles back into introspective realms of dreamy orchestrations, the piano still navigating the flume, a gliding foray into a sonic state of mind, somewhere between here and now, laden with impeccable taste and technique. This fusion of past and present is deeply appealing, and I daresay, comforting to those music fans who are looking for adventure without experimental, off the wall, too clever for nothing progressive rock music with loads of tradition. "Recuerdos Lejanos" finalizes the deal, with more of the same reassuring melodic foundation, a music for musicians personal interface that bodes well for the future. "La danza de la Luna" has just been released and I look forward to investigating that as well very soon. As per my preference, a full blown 50-minute + album would be a great idea to consider in this artist's future endeavours.

4 reflective planets

Julián Martínez was born in 1994, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The legendary Argentine band Crusis was an important influence when Julian got interested in progressive rock as a kid, along with Pink Floyd. Later he also became a fan of progressive metal when he witnessed a Dream Theater gig in his hometown, in 2012. After becoming a musician, composer and producer, between 2017 and 2025 Julian released a variety of instrumental albums in symphonic rock, classical music and other genres. His influences range from J.S. Bach, Frédéric Chopin and Astor Piazzolla to Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Gentle Giant and Steven Wilson.

On the PA Forum Julian Martinez asked the reviewers to pay attention to his albums. The very positive words from Tszirmay about Julian Martinez his music inspired me to check out his albums, as a huge fan of more recent Latin- American prog, from Sergio Alvarez, Astralis, Caravela Escarlate, Supay, Flot De Loto and R-U Kaiser to Sagrado, Under Linden, Tarkus, Apocalypse, William Gray, Anima Mundi, Amagrama, Jaime Rosas and my favorite Nexus.

I have started with the (mini) album El Silencio De Las Estrallas, from 2024. The music on the 5 tracks (between 3 and 5 minutes) is built around wonderful work on the piano, from tender to sparkling, often blended with majestic Mellotron violins and mellow saxophone , it sounds very melodic and harmonic. The most dynamic and 70s symphonic rock sounding composition is La Danza Del Tempo featuring a mid-tempo with delicate Hammond runs, soaring Mellotron violins and Minimoog flights, topped with tasteful saxophone play. In the other tracks the music is more laidback, in my opinion Julian Martinez could have used a bit more variety in his musical ideas. Because at some moments the atmospheres featuring the 'piano-Mellotron violins-saxophone formula' sound a bit too similar. But in general this is a pleasant meeting between classical music and 70s symphonic rock, and Julian Martinez did a fine job with playing all the instruments himself.

My rating: 3,5 star.