HOY

For those not familiar with Pez, this is pretty much the biggest underground band in Argentina. A favorite of art and film students, loved by critics, ignored by the mainstream, they tackle a fine line between punk energy and prog sensibility making music that is both trippy and hard rocking, vulnerable but with balls, Clashesque but in 7/8. The result is an interesting hybrid aimed only for the open minded.

But, not so much this album. Hoy is by far Pez´s softests and most simple album to date, with it´s ups and downs, but ultimatly rewarding and even intimist at times. Mostly made up of short songs that focus mainly on the vocals rather than the instrumental side of the band this might not be the proggiest of albums, but it´s with songs like the 10 min closer Hoy or the excellent El viaje, with it´s tango like violin work, that the band keeps it´s more experimental and progressive touches alive in this record.

I can´t recommend Pez enough for anyone interested in good hard rock with experimentation and some ´70 Pescado Rabioso feeling. Raging from The Ramones to King Crimson this should definitly find a wider audience among prog fans, if the word get´s out a bit. Still, don´t expect to find that much of it here, this is a rare album for Pez in that it´s not really rare.

"Pez" entered the prog music world with their fifth album "Conviviencia Sagrada" and IMHHO the quality of their music peaked with their prior release to this one: "Folklore".

"Hoy" (today), is their eighth work and sounds much more pop than any other ones. The music is straight-forward, melodic ("Betie Al Desierto", " Difícil De Conseguir") and features plenty of keys. The core trio of the debut has now been added a stable keyboard player (Pepo Limeres) who is still in charge today.

As on several of their previous albums, a few guests are adding a nice touch to the "Pez" music (chords mainly). It is obvious that "Hoy" is not as interesting as "Folklore". This bunch of songs have not so much to offer but a couple of nice ballads which are pleasant to listen to ("A Buscar", "Hoy") which severely contrasts with the music offered by the band during their first four releases (heavy rock to punk).

The Crimson influence shown on their previous three albums seems to be past history. This is a more tranquil work which is not bad to listen to but at the same time it offers few grand moments. Easy listening music for the majority of the songs. Still, it is much better than their early releases and should please anyone who is looking to a very accessible prog adventure (à la Kayak or alike).

Some "Kansas" sound during the excellent "El Viaje" (the violin is of course not alien to this feeling). It is probably one of the best song available here. The longest track "Al Espacio" is also a good piece of music: a languish heavy and emotional blues track. Passionate vocals and fine keys work are the best ingredients available. Another highlight.

The jazzy mood is not forgotten either "Romevientos", "Melodias Sanadoras" or "La Verdad" are sweet jazz ballads which conveys this tranquil feel to this work. The latter being somewhat heavier during the instrumental section. Some more of a rocking number is still available with the good "La Sin Nombre" (the one with no name). Finally some fine guitar break!

A good album after all.