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FACTOR BURZACO

RIO/Avant-Prog • Argentina


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Factor Burzaco picture
Factor Burzaco biography
Founded in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2004

FACTOR BURZACO is a project by ABEL GILBERT, Argentinean composer born in Buenos Aires in 1960, who got his first influence from a BEATLES album he received very young and later the same kid who discovered KING CRIMSON, GENTLE GIANT, EGBERTO GISMONTI, GAETANO VELOSO and HENRY COW.

ABEL GILBERT also grew listening (and studying) DEBUSSY, BERIO, LIGETI and MORTON FELDMAN, and who decided to employ this musical experience to make something new.

Also participate in this project Carolina Restuccia (Voice), Marco Bailo (Guitars), Federico Arbia (Bass), Esteban Saldańo (Piano), Nicolas Dalmonte (Drums) and a Camera Orquesta directed by composer Carlos Delgado.

Provided by Viajero Inmovil Records and Abel Gilbert / Addition and translation by Iván Melgar Morey

Addition: This album is almost impossible to describe with plain words, the complex elements carefully blended present us the aggression of some Avant bands like THE RED MASQUE with the radical changes of GENTLE GIANT and KING CRIMSON, plus many classical influences, talking more would be futile, just listen, enjoy and make your own conclusion.

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FACTOR BURZACO discography


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FACTOR BURZACO top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.20 | 36 ratings
Factor Burzaco
2007
3.51 | 33 ratings
Factor Burzaco II
2011
4.10 | 27 ratings
3
2014
3.44 | 9 ratings
3.76
2015

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FACTOR BURZACO Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

FACTOR BURZACO Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 3 by FACTOR BURZACO album cover Studio Album, 2014
4.10 | 27 ratings

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3
Factor Burzaco RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by Progulator
Prog Reviewer

4 stars The Buenos Aires based ensemble Factor Burzaco is back with their third helping, aptly titled 3. Led by composer Abel Gilbert, these Argentines span the musical palette, going from rock to jazz, classical, funk, and even hints of metal, all spun around an avant-garde mentality. While this album didn't speak to me immediately upon first listen, it was a clear lesson in the rewards of patience. Factor Burzaco delivers brilliant music that careful listeners will quickly come to love.

While there is great stuff every step along the way, the latter parts of the album really caught my attention. One particular duo of tunes that comes to mind is the "Soga" / "Soga func" tracks. Those who are fans of Gentle Giant will certainly find the former to be a fascinating piece. Essentially it is an acapella piece in the style of GG but done only how a rock in opposition type band could pull it off, maintaining strong similarities to GG's contrapuntal style but with a more warped sense of tonality. The way the song starts off with a very classical sound and shifts towards the experimental is awesome as it picks up moments of agressive shouting, strange vocal effects, whispers, and raspiness, finally closing off with the voices mimicking a wah-wah pedal that leads perfectly into the follow up: "Soga func". At this point the band goes into full on avant-funk that will totally make you nod your head and grin at the clever arrangements, exciting drumming, and surprising snippet of prog metal territory.

Throughout the album, Factor Burzaco shows expert level of control in their range of sonic- production. Take "En transito / Ausdep mal" for example. This fascinatingly and mysterious piece banks on its use of dynamic as it brings in delicate but exciting marimba interjections and guitar swells that work together to create a gripping piece of music. "Las," a piece whose title seems to be quite the understatement given the intriguing lyrical text it presents, is truly a gem that shows off the depth of Carolina Restuccia's voice with its powerful, sorrowful vocal lines augmented by the gorgeously abrasive flute whose sense of rough sustain creates a perfect atmosphere for the voice to blend into. The entrance of a solo vibraphone acts as a demarcating point in this song, signalling a split towards the even more eerie second half of the piece where Restuccia is supported by a beautiful group of harmonizing singers who, after laying down a perfect and destabilizing harmonic support, bid us their farewell with a collective hiss.

What I did not expect on this type of album was an epic length track, but by-golly we got one and I must say it's good. "Silencio," the album closer, clocks in at 14 minutes, starting off with moody drones and interesting modulations before Carolina's vocals enter with a captivating melodic approach that is quite modern and classical. Little by little the band enters, eventually arriving at a point where vocals are supported by punchy percussion and an arrangement that becomes quite chaotic before stabilizing. When a great 5/8 groove comes in the singing returns, this time with nice instrumental arrangements featuring vibraphone and woodwinds striking at all the right places. As the track continues on we even get a classical guitar interlude that has a few tricks of its own. The way it starts off conservatively is quite a surprise considering the nature of this band; that is, until it begins to make wide use of rest and dissonant motifs that create tension before woodwind swells build up a wall of threatening sound. As the guitar continues to pluck a repetitive dissonant chord the bass comes in and adds a more comfortable progression to the sound, becoming playful alongside a vibraphone which offsets a really cool avant-jazz section which hints at its South American roots. If you're a fan of really tasty drumming, you've come to the right place; Facundo Negri really shows that he knows how to lay down musical lines on the kit. My only complaint here would be that he doesn't get enough time to really show off his talents. And just to add in a few more touches of strangeness, the band finishes off "Silencio" with a chorus of narration devolving into alien-like echo before a fierce attack of instruments sends us off to a mysterious and ambient ending, much like how the song started.

If you haven't checked out Factor Burzaco yet, it's a good time. Don't be scared off by their avant-rock tendencies. Yes, they're a band that requires some dedication from the listener, but in the end they show a keen ability to blend and seamlessly transition between many styles in a way that is convincing and maintains their own distinctive voice. Couple that with a knack for spanning the chasm between music that is playful, deep, urgent, and even disturbing and we have on our hands a downright solid album.

 3 by FACTOR BURZACO album cover Studio Album, 2014
4.10 | 27 ratings

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3
Factor Burzaco RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by Windhawk
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Argentinean band FACTOR BURZACO is based out of Buenos Aires, and appears to be the creative vehicle of composer and founder Abel Gilbert. Vocalist Carolina Restuccia appears to be the one constant element in this project besides Gilbert himself, the remaining musicians involved changing from album to album. "III" is the most recent production to be issued under the Factor Burzaco moniker, and was released through the Italian label Altrock in 2014.

"III" is an album that twists and turns its way through unpredictable landscapes that perhaps are more challenging to describe than to actually listen to, although as far as the latter aspect is concerned, those with an affection for challenging music should find this album to be one that caters to their tastes in that department quite nicely. This is a very well made specimen of avant-garde progressive rock, and those who enjoy their jazz-rock and chamber rock elements combined with quirky details of a more undefinable nature explored within sophisticated compositional framework should find this CD to be a worthy addition to their collection.

 3 by FACTOR BURZACO album cover Studio Album, 2014
4.10 | 27 ratings

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3
Factor Burzaco RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by BrufordFreak
Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

5 stars Another confounding yet mesmerizing adventure into the amusement park freak house of avant-garde composer Abel Gilbert, this one does not disappoint. Once again the listener is accompanied by vocalist Carolina Restuccia as your guide through the aural maze that is a Factor Burzaco album. I have to admit the awe and amazement of hearing an FB album has passed over me, but this album for some reason seems more comfortable, more coherent, more cohesive, and more familiar, which then translates into a more comfortable and interesting listening experience than the previous albums. Someday I will do an experiment by listening to all three albums back-to-back-to-back to try to get a feel for the different effects they have on me, but for now, let's suffice it to say that Abel & Co. have done it again: a masterpiece of thought-demanding, sanity-questioning, boundary-pushing music.
 Factor Burzaco II by FACTOR BURZACO album cover Studio Album, 2011
3.51 | 33 ratings

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Factor Burzaco II
Factor Burzaco RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by BrufordFreak
Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars A surprising and sometimes unsettling listening experience from an avant group that definitely pushes boundaries in its employment of odd, theatric vocals over fairly simple, almost minimalistic folk/tango musical constructs. Experimental music at its oddest. Think of UNIVERS ZÉRO writing and performing a Allan Ginsberg or other Beat poet's work on a small, smoky stage, black and white the only colors under stage light. Female vocalist, Restuccia Carolina, most often sounds like BJÖRK singing in a Japanese Noh.

Interesting but not a familiar or comfortable style (at least to these untrained, Western, ears). Fascinating, mesmerizing music that needs many listens to truly come to terms with. Do I like it? I'm still not sure. Ask me after another 20 listens. I would, however, recommend this album for the brave and open-hearted listener--one who likes to explore new, unfamiliar, and unusual musics. Like UneXpect, I very much respect and am in awe of these composers and performers.

 Factor Burzaco II by FACTOR BURZACO album cover Studio Album, 2011
3.51 | 33 ratings

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Factor Burzaco II
Factor Burzaco RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by avestin
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars Factor Burzaco, brainchild of Argentinean musician and composer Abel Gilbert, released its second album in 2011, simply entitled II, through the marvelous Italian label, AltrOck.

While having heard their first album some time ago, I confess to not remembering much from it. And so I approached this new album with fresh ears. This album initially left me wordless and baffled. How and what could I write about it? In a way it reminds me of the experiences I had with Italian avant-garde group Nichelodeon's two albums that I reviewed. The same struggling for words and inability to coherently convey the weird and fascinating listening experience I was having with these albums. Indeed, I think most listeners will arrive at the end of this release scratching their heads, trying to understand what it is they just heard.

Still, what can I expect, you ask? Well, some of what you will hear is: Amorphous dark pieces that roll into propulsive hard edged rock and back again. Abstract female vocals paint eerie sonic images as the variety of instruments gently float around and delicately smear smudges of sounds. Creepy sounds evoked by various instruments lurking about the songs, peering out and quickly crawling back to their roots. Abrupt changes that may scare you on first listen. An animated narration by a male voice about music that gets more and more distressing and poignant as it proceeds, accompanied by vibraphone and percussion playing a hypnotic pattern. Do I need to go on?

Would it shock you, then, if I said that Factor Burzaco II is a disturbing album. But please don't take this to mean this is a bad album. Au contraire! It is good, because it is disturbing; it is an unsettling listen, a provocative and strange experience. Moreover, it does a good job of balancing its abstract and nebulous side with the tangible ones, where melody takes the reins. When I say melody, you shouldn't expect it in the usual sense of the word, as it is harsh, angular and non-harmonic melody, which I found to be lovely and appealing (maybe that's just me). Indeed, this album offers one hell of a ride, fronted by Restuccia Carolina sweet, insane and diabolical vocals. A wide range of musicians here backs her up, though the music sounds surprisingly minimalistic and thin layered for that big a lineup.

This is not an easy listen. I can't just pop this cd in and give at a listen at a whim. The proper mood must strike and take over for me to put it on. But when that happens, I know I'm in for an experience. Try this album on headphones, late at night, while doing nothing apart from devoting your full attention to it and allow it to take hold of you. Scary, isn't it? But in a good way!

 Factor Burzaco II by FACTOR BURZACO album cover Studio Album, 2011
3.51 | 33 ratings

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Factor Burzaco II
Factor Burzaco RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by justaguy

2 stars Another discovery at Altrock.it. This one is actually not a real band, but a project of a gifted Argentinean avant-garde composer from Buenos-Aires, Abel Gilbert. The result of the second gathering together has received the most logical name: "II", and is a piece of absolutely genius and original work, speaking both of composing and performing.

Just like in the first Factor Burzaco album, Carolina Restuccia sings the stars off the heaven. Her unprecedentedly extravagant vocals and voice arrangements are the trade mark of the project. Sometimes her vocals remind me of the legendary avant-garde vocalist Dagmar Krause, when she was singing together with Henry Cow in the fabulous "In Praise of Learning" back in the seventies, or with Fred Frith and Chris Cutler in Art Bears. Sometimes, she sings like Bjork can sing, when she is at her weirdest. Pol Gonzales is another wonderful vocalist on board of the project, also with a huge vocal range, who can also sing really weird, I assure you. Speaking of range, I should mention the compositions themselves, ranging from experimental jazz to hard rock, all of that in one piece.

The band's music can be compared to Thinking Plague. However, it is much less hectic, a little less electric and more spacious, or if you like, less industrial. I would even dare to declare, that one can even relax and enjoy while listening to Factor Burzaco , which I personally could never achieve listening to Thinking Plague.

Another references could be their brother projects at Altrock.it, Yugen and Rational Diet. If you didn't discover those yet, there is a great possibility to do that now. Check Yugen's "Iridule" and Rational Diet's "On Phenomena and Existence", two alternative rock masterpieces from 2010.

 Factor Burzaco II by FACTOR BURZACO album cover Studio Album, 2011
3.51 | 33 ratings

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Factor Burzaco II
Factor Burzaco RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

4 stars FACTOR BURZACO are from Argentina and there is a rather large number of people in this band which I found surprising. It just doesn't sound like many are involved that's all. They are an Avant-garde band who employ male and female vocals along with horns, flute, bassoon, accordion, vibes, percussions and the usual guitar, bass and drums.This is defintely an album for the adventerous and I rather enjoy it. It's a very interesting listen and I like those dark passages and the female singer who reminds me of Deborah Perry of THINKING PLAGUE. Killer stuff.

"Beginnin" opens with a scream. This short intro track really has no music but the focus is on the outbursts of male and female vocals. An alarming intro. "Progressions" is catchy with female vocals. Guitar before 2 1/2 minutes and we get some dissonance late. Cool song.

"What" has vocal melodies and a spacey atmosphere but it also has this urgent vibe.Lots of tension. "Inmemorian" has these female vocals that build.This reminds me of Zeuhl. It all stops abruptly as sparse horns arrive.Whispered vocals after 1 1/2 minutes as we get a calm. It kicks back in with vocals but this continues to change moods and tempo the rest of the way.

"Guantanabu 1" has spoken male words that get threatrical. Female singing before 3 minutes comes and goes as the male words continue.This is different with sparse music in the background throughout. "Guantanabu 2" is a short haunting piece that blends into "Guantanabu 3". A beat comes in with bass,guitar and flute as it builds. Incredible ! Female vocals after 3 minutes.

"Straviko" opens with female vocals, guitar, bass and drums as the horns and flute also join in in this laid back start. It turns haunting around 2 minutes and it's dark until the vocals return. A nice solid sound 4 minutes in then it turns loud 5 1/2 minutes in to the end. "Before The End" is a short chamber music piece that blends into "Mereditika".Vocals before a minute and they are reserved. Some tension before 2 1/2 minutes.Vocals return but she's more passionate this time before 4 1/2 minutes.It settles late.

I really enjoyed this and I think avant fans will too.

 Factor Burzaco by FACTOR BURZACO album cover Studio Album, 2007
4.20 | 36 ratings

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Factor Burzaco
Factor Burzaco RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by Ivan_Melgar_M
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

5 stars If somebody had told me a few days ago I would be reviewing an Avant album, I would had believed this guy was crazy, I always saw this sub-genre as extremely complex, sometimes cacophonic and lack of interest for my taste.

But last week "Viajero Inmovil Records" sent me three albums for review, one of them FACTOR BURZACO self titled Avant debut which I heard with some reluctance, but incredibly it captured me immediately, there is something mysterious, experimental and brilliant in their music, to the point that I couldn't stop listening it since I received it.

I beg the reader to excuse my lack of experience in this kind of bands, but I feel I must review it because it's something so refreshing that can't be left behind

The album is opened with "α " (Alpha). A song that starts with the strange and unusual but captivating voice of Carolina Restuccia singing in Spanish, soon the whole band joins creating a total dissonance between the vocals and music, normally this would keep me away but in this case only interested me more, several radical changes of tempo and mood, make of this track a perfect gem.

"Mesianik" starts more rocker with the bass taking the lead, just to allow a distorted guitar and drums to join along with the vocals again in a different tempo, as if it was a new instrument playing in a different key, but to add complexity, the winds also join in a different mood, breathtaking and captivating. To finish, the band and orchestral instruments create a controlled cacophony that adds dramatics

"Restos de Camaleón" (Remains of a Chameleon): Begins softer with a short piano and vocals intro soon joined by violins, sax and flute, the characteristic vocals don't change, reminding me more and more of THE RED MASQUE, but for what I heard I knew I shouldn't expect the same atmosphere remain intact all the song, and I wasn't wrong, even when it's more calmed than all the previous, some violent explosions of sound shock us, another broilliant track.

"Como Acariciar a un Tigre Muerto" (How to Pet a Dead Tiger): starts with an "a capella" intro soon followed by a weird piano and then the whole band, in this track we can see some Post Rock approach, very rhytmic and vibrant, the flute work is simply perfect and of course the controlled cacophony is delightful. The Orchestral sections are really scary and atmospheric and the spooky screams of the Carolina Restuccia blend perfectly, excellent work.

Β (Beta): Is a very short Rock instrumental that works as an intro "Siembra" (Sowing)", again soft and melancholic, the piano adds more mystery to the song forming a perfect duet with the vocals. In this case the song flows gently from start to way past the middle where everything seems to get out of control, but it's only the desired effect, screams, distorted instruments, everything ids complex but strangely seems to fit perfectly.

Un Cristal (A Crystal): Starts different with a short guitar and drums intro and again the oboe announces the vocals which flow gently and more in tune than ever before, this time everything fits perfectly in place, but paradoxically until the middle it's the song I like less, maybe I'm getting used to the unpredictable..But, hey I spoke too soon, a completely distorted orchestral sound wall shocks me (with this guys you must never expect the expectable), then the track returns to the original sound but with a pastoral atmosphere, less complex but extremely beautiful.

"γ" (Gamma) works again as a dark and short introduction for "Falso 11 (False 11) which from the start marks a contrast, a very experimental and Jazzy track a sound which is enhanced by the sax section that reminds me of GATO BARBIERI, the song advances keeping the interest of the listener until it gets really weird by the end, but again completely interesting, sounds entering and leaving, blend of instruments and styles, if this is how Prog sounds today, I like it.

"Resbalar Sin Caer" (To Slip Without Falling): Here the band hits us with everything they have, full band, orchestral instruments, screams, choirs, everything you can imagine, I'm unable to describe it, you will have to listen it.

The album finishes with "ω (Viena Pop)" (Omega - Vienna Pop), a song that uses POP elements but in such a complex and elaborate way that if the name wouldn't had warned, nobody had guessed it, all the Pop elements are provided by the vocals, while the music gets more elaborate and Prog than ever, excellent drum work by Nicolás DÁlmonte.

Again I'm sorry if I wasn't able to make total justice to FACTOR BURZACO's debut, because I'm far from being an expert in this sub-genre, but if somebody like me, more oriented towards Symphonic and melodic Prog, dares to rate this excellent album with 5 stars, it's a sign that any fan of adventurous Prog must give them a chance.

Thanks to Iván Melgar Morey for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

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