SMASH

Not satisfied with their previous album? Don't worry, because they came to smash this time. This is an obscure, precious relic of the psychedelic prog, and the Rock Andaluz gem, from the scene pioneers themselves. Very relevant album, with songs like the classic prog of First Movement (my favorite track), the psychedelic Don't Be Sad, Baby and the experimental andaluz Behind the Stars. The keyboard presence are valuable now. The first track is a rock n roll intro. Some folk rhytmic songs too, like the main theme from this Smash album, We Come To Smash This Time. Fail Safe is almost 11 minutes of punkish rock n roll prog. A classic spanish album!!

Once upon a time, there was a musical scene rising: the "Rock Andaluz". Very far underground from spain, Smash is a psychedelic blues rock and progressive band formed by the guitar and sitar player Gualberto. They are the pioneers from the Rock Andaluz: a conceptual mix of rock and flamenco. Is very funny to listen to sitar blues riffs. This album, overall, is a blues oriented rock with some experimentalism stuff. It's a good choice. Great guitar licks. But the band still wasn't at the apex of creation. By the way, is a great album for any blues or psychedelic fan around here.

This weekend I got this CD from a Spanish proghead, I was searching many years for it! Smahs was a known and popular band that scouted the borders between guitar-rock and ethnic music. On the first half of this acclaimed Smash album you can enjoy the very unique atmosphere that has been created by blending flamenco and late Sixties rock music (like CCR, The Kinks and Cream): a catchy rhythm and a flower power climate with wah-wah guitar and cheerful flamenco vocals in El Garrotín, flamenco vocals and soli on electric - and flamenco guitar in Alameda's Blues, a great tension between a flamenco rhythm guitar and wah-wah electric guitar and a fiery electric guitar solo in Ni Recuerdo, Ni Olvido and a flower power atmosphere with biting - and wah-wah guitar, accompanied by Spanish vocals in Tangos De Ketama. The other half of this album is filled with songs that deliver typical flamenco rhythms (compas) like the Tarantos, Soleares, Fandangos and Bulerias featuring exciting flamenco guitar, the distinctive, often wailing flamenco vocals and some 'palmas' (handclapping). In a few tracks guitarplayer Gualberto plays flamenco on the Indian sitar, very special to hear! I am sure that this music will not please many progheads on Prog Archives but those who love flamenco music will have a good time with this CD. I am glad that it is finally in my collection, thanks to José Manuel Inesta!

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Smash is flamenco guitarist Gualberto's rock project. This album is a compilation taken from previous works. Nothing original or new but an interesting listening for those who are in the classic 60's psychedelic sound and retro rock sound of Moody Blues. Harmonised vocals, fuzzy, wha wha guitar styles for a dynamic rock and roll "trip". To be honest their music is more proto-prog than really progressive. Despite of the presence of the incredible Gualberto and his guitar / sitar playing, the style is rather pop, soft, sometimes with reminiscences of 60's British "beat" music. A few songs as "Tarantos" really escape from the monotony of the usual compositions, bringing to the fore a massive fusion style with flamenco & conventional rock ingredients. For beginners who want to get in touch with Gualberto's musical world I highly recommend his solo efforts, notably the progressive- psych "Vericuetos" & "A la Vida al Dolor".