MENTE Y GRAVEDAD

Argentinian band Impulso (full name: Impulso de los Sonidos Inconscientes) was formed back in 2008, initially a trio who blended structured composed songs with improvisational performances live as well as on their initial demo tape that was released in 2009. In 2010 they expanded to a quartet with the inclusion of vocalist, keyboardist and flautist Emanuel Pin, expanding their stylistic borders and possibilities. Soon after they started to work on the material for their debut album "Mente y Gravedad", the end result released as a free download in the spring of 2012. By that time the band was again reduced to a trio, as Pin decided to leave the band.

And in what appears to be the sole production of this band as a foursome, they deliver just over an hour of rather diversified music. Words like retro and vintage are essential features throughout, and a certain love for bands active in the 1970's is needed to be able to enjoy this item. The band themselves cites bands like Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple to be some of their major sources of inspiration, and personally I do think they should add Black Sabbath to that list too, as some parts of their album fits rather smugly into a Purple Sabbath description.

But while they can be majestic sounding with a harder edged yet melodic take on vintage hard rock, this is merely one of many features that are recurring traits of this bands repertoire. Psychedelic flavoured instrument motifs is another distinct feature, it won't take long before the style heavy psychedelic comes to mind when exploring this initial effort of theirs. Utilized as careful, subtle additions to their songs more often than not, and given somewhat more room when they hit off in longer, more elongated escapades of an improvisational nature like on La Puerta de Tannhäuser and Correr.

An additional aspect of this bands repertoire that rather quickly surface is a certain affection for jazzrock too, and on a number of occasions they invite their listeners to reflect upon just how minor the differences between psychedelic rock and jazzrock really are. Later on gentler passages more distinctly jazzrock in character than merely oriented towards that expression appears too, as the initial occurences of this trait most likely will leave a few wondering whether this aspect of their sound is incidental rather than planned. Finally Impulso also include the occasional nod in the direction of symphonic progressive rock and folk rock too by way of keyboards and flute respectively, and in the later stages of this production we're served some rather tasteful passages there the latter has been incorporated into their dampened excursions into jazzrock territories, and to good effect I might add.

The overall experience is of a band varied in style, with a distinct emphasis on a retro-oriented overall sound. A band to seek out by those who enjoy Black Sabbath and Deep Purple just as much as King Crimson and Pink Floyd, and it will most likely be an advantage if you enjoy a bit of jazzrock and psychedelic rock too. A fine debut album by a talented band.

"Mente Y Gravedad" is the debut album released by Argentinian proggers Impulso De Los Sonidos Inconscientes. The band consist of Rodrigo Ammannato, singing vocals, and playing guitars, Federico Razetti on drums, Hernan Casella playing bass, Emanuel Pin on keyboards, flute. The album begins with a heavy prog rocker 'Perdido' with solid rhythms and great guitar riffs. This is followed by a spacey wash of ambiance with glissando echo guitar sounds, not unlike early Pink Floyd or Hawkwind; a track called 'La Puerta de Tannhäuser'.

The band also have songs such as 'Respirar' sung in the Argentine language encompassing very heavy riffs, building to a melodic chorus, and featuring an extended flute solo; a wonderful performance. 'El Tiempo Aca' also features vocals over a measured cadence with Federico Razetti's crashing drums and Rodrigo Ammannato's distorted guitar chords.

'Correr' is a lengthy track at 8:12, and has a metal sound with a dirty guitar groan, and more aggressive vocals. The vibe is pseudo punk like The Ramones, but it soon breaks away with a beautiful soundscape of soft guitar and Emanuel Pin's flute. Then another outburst of spasmodic guitar rhythms leads to a verse. A flute solo chimes in when the sound becomes serene again, but it soon drives the nails in with yet another blistering guitar riff. The guitar chord changes at 3:50 have a vintage Black Sabbath feel, and it moves into a dynamic lead solo. The time sig changes tempo at will, there is a bass solo from Hernan Casella, and overall this 70s sound is very refreshing; a definitive highlight on the album. It even ends with effects that sound like someone lighting up a spliff.

'Dos Gatos Negros' is a tranquil song with relaxing jazz guitar and bass emanations. 'Obertura Clerica'is dark psychedelic atmospheres; quite ethereal with disembodied voices and preternatural sounds. 'Sonrieme Unclelito' returns to the 70s guitar sound, with some cool lead licks and a driving percussion and bass. The wafting gentle flute augments the vintage feel, then guitar harmonics resound, later joined by Argentine vocals. 'Catalina Maple' boasts another Sabbathian riff, with quite a frisky tempo and harmonised vocals. It moves onto a freeway of soaring lead arpeggios and string bends before returning to the spacey sound, joined by dialogue and laughing. This is yet another of the better tracks on offer here.

It segues into 'Tema Furioso Que Esta En Mi' opening with a droning guitar and very heavy distortion and rasping vocals from guest Facundo Espinosa; the heaviest track by far. The time sig crashes manically and there is some crazy drumming, but it breaks into stripped back guitar and gentle vox. The violent outburst of metal distortion annihilates the tranquility without remorse and Ammannato unleashes a towering lead solo. The end sounds like the band are being throttled by their own instruments.

'El Loco de Chacabuco' returns to calm jazz singing and guitar, and it eventually breaks into a wah-wah lead break with low distorted chord changes, and a dramatic drum solo. 'Las Canciones También se Enojan' is a longer track to end proceedings, with jazz tempos and sweet flute embellishments. The vocals are laid back, and I like the synth squelches at 4 minutes in. It has the best flute passages also, played exquisitely by Pin.

Overall "Mente Y Gravedad" is an album with a variation of style mainly based on heavy 70s classic rock and throwing in space and psych prog at times with a sprinkling of jazz nuances. It is an enjoyable listen, perhaps more endearing than the EP, and Impulso De Los Sonidos Inconscientes display a sizeable degree of passion and commitment to creating a unique and dynamic listening experience.