SENTIDO DE LUCHA (AKA PABLO EL ENTERRADOR - 2)

I just can't understand why the weak reviews and comments about "Pabo el Enterrador 2" aka "Sentido de Lucha", if I hadn't seen the band playing some tracks of this album on stage, would have never bothered buying it and that would have been a shame because it's brilliant.

"2" is one of the most pure expressions of Symphonic Prog from Argentina, the beautiful and soft piano blends perfectly with the delicate vocals and the splendid guitar that makes us remember they can really rock, a perfect combination of sweetness and strength.

I understand that English speakers have a hard time with lyrics in foreign language but...Hey guys....If the rest of the world cares to search for translations of songs in English, doing the same won't kill you, specially when the translation is available in the cover of the album.

"2" starts with the piano and synth intro of "Nariguetas" that almost instantly blends with the beautiful voice of Jose María Blanc making incredible poetry (This would be lost in the translation of course), the influence of bands like Genesis with a touch of Italian Symphonic is very clear, but nobody can doubt of the originality, excellent track.

"La Ciudad Eterna" is my favorite song from "2", again starts with piano and then vocals but this time with a more Latin influence, the jazzy drum soon joins while the song goes in crescendo until the whole band takes part in a very elaborate fantasy of music only interrupted by piano and keyboard solos, even better song than the previous.

"Emigrante" is a dark ballad absolutely Symphonic and melancholic, the piano performance is dramatic and charged with passion that is provided by the guitar and bass, not as strong as the previous but still very good.

"Sentido de Lucha" is the track for which this album is better known, starts almost in the vein of "Emigrante" but with a sound that reminds some material from "SERU GIRAN" and SUI GENERIS" but Charly García could never add as much drama and personality as José María Blanc. "Sentido de Lucha" can't have more power, the final section when the symphonic keys combine with a solid guitar and bass is breathtaking, great song.

"San Vicente" is a lighter selection, after two depressive (but excellent tracks) is time to perform in a clear Latin style with a touch of Argentinean/Cuban Folk, probably inspired of such great musicians as Mercedes Sosa and Silvio Rodriguez, not only for the sound but for the lyrics that talk about South American reality, at the end a nice Moog section a la Keith Emerson followed by a ethnic sound make the perfect closing.

"Solo Viento" another melancholic song but this time the "SUI GENERIS" influence is more than obvious, but of course the synths make the difference, the lyrics are absolutely poetic.

At this point the PABLO EL ENTERRADOR change their approach, instead of the pristine Symphonic atmosphere with Argentinean sound, the bands tries different styles, "Mitad X Mitad" is very jazzy, the violin (Yes I can listen a violin but don't know if it's played with a synth) sounds a bit like Jean Luc Ponty, they tried something totally different and did it well.

They follow the change of style, with "Accionista" it's time for Rock, clear and evident Argentinean rock sound, not bad but neither a great track, I believe they were able to make something better. "2" ends with "Fotografía", now a poppy track, this time reminds of Genesis but not of the great band we love, instead of that they went closer to the Invisible Touch era, simply I can't understand why the guys from "PABLO EL ENTERRADOR" made such a dramatic change at the end of the album, seems like they ran out of material and added some weaker tracks.

If they wanted to make something different, they could have done this in the middle of the album and close it with the Symphonic "Solo Viento" or the jazzy "Mitad X Mitad", "Fotografía" is the only really weak song..

If it wasn't for the last track, I believe the album would deserve 5 stars, but having it (And the not bad but weak "Accionista") I have no alternative than limit myself to a solid 4 stars rating, something that bothers me because the first seven tracks are so good that if they stopped there or even before "Fotografía", "2" would have been as strong as their debut release and get the maximum rating.

Each and every Symphonic fan should get "2" evenif not able to understand the lyrics, the music is incredible and making a small effort with the translation, the lyrics are also enjoyable.

Many consider Pablo El Enterrador (Spanish for' Pablo the gravedigger') his eponymous debut album (1983) as one of the highlights in the Latin prog history. Perhaps the band has read all those euphoric words during the years because between May 1995 and May 1997 Pablo El Enterrador started to record new songs and in 1998 the band released this successor, simply entitled '2', 15 years after the debut effort. The music on '2' is in the vein of that acclaimed debut album: the focal point is flowing and sparkling piano work on the electric Yamaha. In general the climates are warm and dreamy with splendid, quite emotional Spanish vocals, an extra dimension. The more sumptuous parts contain Hackett- like guitarplay and keyboard evoking Genesis between Seconds Out and Duke. In my opinion this album is a bit too much loaded with the same piano work, if Pablo El Enterrador had produced a more mid-Genesis inspired symphonic prog oriented sound,I am sure '2' had resulted in a more captivating CD.

This is weird, I am reviewing my second album today and both have vastly different track orders from that listed here, which throws me off more than you can imagine. It could even influence the ultimate rating, but I will try to review "Sentido de Lucha" (the alternate title) as a collection of haphazardly thrown together tunes, ie-from a record company exec's perspective.

It's like no time had passed between the first Pablo album and its successor in terms of the style and even the instrumentation, as well as the mix of ballads and rockers. Jose Maria Blanc's vocals are as strong as ever, as are the dual keys and the marriage of Argentinian poetry and folklore to symphonic rock. That in itself puts "Sentido de Lucha" on an upper rung.

The main difference is that the ballads don't tug at the heart strings quite so much. On their debut, several tracks also bridged the rocking/ballad gap and became glimmering suites of keyboard dominated and guitar enhanced progressive rock. Nothing of the sort here. They can still write a catchy hook but it's more in the manner of Abacab era Genesis rather than assembling something new out of the best of breed, and, with the exception of the haunting and expressive "Emigrante", most tracks are good but not great. For instance, "Nariguetas" simply soars during Blanc's wordless excursions but precious little elsewhere. "Sentido de Lucha" doesn't really work until the majestic instrumental break.

Given the time lapse between the two Pablo releases, this is actually a pretty impressive follow up, but it does mark a subtle yet perceptible devolution. The ingredients are there but the end result lacks that certain flair that comes with experimentation and risk taking. Still, if you loved their 1983 album, enjoying "Sentido" should not be a struggle.

''Pablo'' released their first album some fifteen years ago. It was a remarkable and symphonic prog album.

I have to say that when you listen to the opening number from their sophomore album, the mood is still in line. It is rather intricate and draws your attention at any moment. I would have expected some more aerial keys and guitar fantasy. It will remain a nice and delicate vocal exercise. Still : a very good start.

Some more romantic and delicate sounds with '' La Ciudad Eterna'' But more easy listening music (of course we are in the late nineties this time'). A pleasant song indeed but nothing from the other world (and this has nothing to do with the Spanish lyrics, sorry Ivan).

A song like ''Emigrante'' could have been the highlight of this album. It starts brilliantly but then evolves into a cheap ''Genesis while they were three'' and poppish tune but the final part is again excellent. Quite bizarre I have to say'

The most delicate parts of this album like '' Sentido De Lucha'' sounds very much like the great Italian Symph Prog. Light piano and inspired vocals. It also features a very melodic guitar solo to close. A very good number indeed !

The vocals from Blanc are really emotional and high pitched. Again, Italian symph is not far away (''San Vicente''). But overall, the songwriting is slightly behind their original work . Some more poppish at moment and less inspired probably.

The whole of this album flows nicely but lacks of great and inspiring moments, even if again there is great delicacy here and there (''Solo Viento''). But it is more thanks to the vocal parts.

The last three songs are rather average to say the least. Not to mention the poor ''Accionista'' already featured on their first album. But ''Mitad y Mitad'' is of the same caliber (poppish and useless). Press next of course' This album is not bad per se but still ; but I am rather disappointed. But was it possible to do better than their first release ? I guess not.

The closing number ''Fotograf'a'' is probably the worst of this offering. When you will press next, it will over' This is not a bad album,but it features some poor tracks . As a whole, I will rate it with three stars.