AQUELARRE

I have to say I'm surprised at how much I enjoy this record. I just love their sound and they have some attitude. The bass player did the cover art which is a classic when it comes to South American Prog albums. Every song on here is good to great, my kind of album. In fact I couldn't come up with a top three even as I checked every track on here, they are all good. Singing is in Spanish. The one song that's a little different is that fifth track with some ukulele even provided by the guitarist. More of a folky vibe on this one but it's uplifting to me. The opener might be my favourite, very energetic and catchy with repeated themes and I'd say the same about the third number on here.

Another outstanding release from Argentina, I'm so glad to own this one. Love that attitude.

Take for (not the only) example the track 4 "Brumas en la bruma", with a picture-in-words that sets the listener right into a surreal experience of nature, involving a re-invention of the language that I must call nothing short as "impresionist". Add the exquisite orchestral arrangement to that, and you will get the idea that crosses the entire album: perfect union of poetry and sounds.

Providing changes in form of odd time signatures, sudden quiet parts, rapid changes of leading instruments, simply Prog as most of you know it. Still pleasant to listen though, even not as enjoyable at the first sight as what will follow. Indeed, it's not usual to go from last album to first, but it can provide interesting results sometimes.

There are also parts that sounds like Rock (wild guitar solos like on some Led Zeppelin record - last part of Milagro Del Pueblo).

4(-), even not exactly my kind of Prog, its qualities are clear I think.

There is strong scent of happy atmosphere, pouring from each second of this record, happy atmosphere, band having fun making this album and so on. Why not, this only helps.

Be it first seconds of Pájaro De La Locura where this great sounding keyboard stars the show (I wish I remember the name of this instrument), multi-vocal harmonies that are present in various tracks, original melodies (interesting ones), beautiful second part of Canto Centrino.

It's hard to be so melodic and not being pathetic / cheesy (call it as you wish), but guys from Aquelarre manages to stay at the top with this album.

5(-), one of the best ones. Because it's hard to be so beautiful.

Concise, even short album (32 minutes long) filled with wonderful music. I ain't sure this one is Psych Prog - it's more on folky/Proto-Prog side, with some noticable Symphonic influences. If you like Spanish Prog acts like MEZQUITA and TRIANA, you may try this one - it's a bit less adventurous and definetely not recommended unless you're aware of what you want. Not bad at all, but not that kind of Forgotten Gem you utterly need. Some influences from major acts like GENESIS and SUPERTRAMP are also scattered here and there as well, and it makes music more familiar and enjoyable. Recommended with a note.