ZAGUAN

From the lands of Andalusian Rock and the city of Sevilla hails this group, originally named Raices and started as a tribute band to Triana's singer Jesús de la Rosa.Raices became an instant fashion around clubs and festivals in their homecity, performing songs of Triana, before recording their first demo ''Dos hermanas'' in 2000.The same year they were invited to participate on Fonomusik's Triana tribute album ''Tu frialdad: Homenaje a Jesús de la Rosa'' and for the first time the name Zaguan appears in the market.In 2002 with the line-up of Alfonso Vidal de Torres on bass, Rafael Carrique and Jose Antonio Mazo on guitars, Miguel Angel Gomez on keyboards/vocals and Armando Gomez on drums they release their self-titled debut album.

It is quite easy to think what to expect from a band with so much love for the music of TRIANA, the only question is whether the music is up to the standards the pioneers of Andalusian Rock set back in mid-70's.The answer is definitely yes, although the group seems at moments like ripping off the ideas of their ancestors, but the pieces on ''Zaguan'' are full of Spanish passion and pure emotions, played under the influence of Andalusian music.Flamenco-styled gypsy guitars meet electric textures and vintage keyboard tunes to come up with solid, sensitive and interesting tracks.The atmosphere is rather laid-back with nice Spanish vocals, good organ themes and constantly changing guitar lines.Sometimes the electric textures are more pronounced and the tracks have often a slight Jazz/Fusion taste akin to GUADALQUIVIR.However the majority of this release recalls the deep and atmospheric approach of TRIANA minus their light symphonic touches.The vocal lines are great, so are some beautiful Latin melodies contained, while half about of the tracks do have some nice instrumental variety with alternating moves on keyboards and guitars.

One of the few contemporary groups that are able to ressurect TRIANA's unique style through original compositions.Emotional, sensitive and imaginative Andalusian Rock, executed with 100% focus on the Andalusian music roots.Recommended, despite the obvious lack of personality.