ALMÔNDEGAS

Almondegas was a folk-rock group from Rio Grande Do Sul, a state in the very deep south of Brazil, a region that differs a lot from others, since they were basically colonized by immigrants from europe, with a very distinctive culture and habits. The band was one of the first southern acts to actually break into the national charts in the mid seventies. Today they are more known for including among their members the brothers Kledir and Kleiton Ramil, a duo that made it big in the early 80´s with several hits in the whole country, after the break up of Almondegas.

Their first , self titled album, is very much a folkish affair, with guitars (classical and 12 strings), percussion and the particular vocal delivery from the south. There is very little prog here per se. It is mostly filled with brazilian popular music and rhythms, like toada, samba, balada, etc. but don´t expect anything fleshy. Almost everything here has simple, acoustic accompaniment, with very subtle arrangements. The rock parts are more towards their attitude and approach to the traditional folk music from their region. The lyrics (all sung in portuguese) are very clever and often humorous.

The recording was well done for its time. all tracks are short, good and the instrumental is simple, but well crafted. Vento Negro (black wind) is my favorite song here, with its beautiful melody line and great folksy guitars arrangement. That songs reminds me of the biggest prog folk act from Brazil in the 70´s, the great Secos & Molhados.

In all, a very interesting release if you´re into acoustic prog folk with fine melodies and varied regional rhythms. If PA was a folk site this would be a four star affair, but since there is no prog at all in terms of instrumental music, I can only give it 3. Good, and for folk lovers, very good.