Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography

ESPÍRITU

Symphonic Prog • Argentina


From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Espíritu picture
Espíritu biography
Founded in 1972 - Disbanded in 1976 - Reunited briefly in 1982 and again in 2002-2004

This top notch Argentinian progrock band was rooted in '69 when singer Fernando Bergé and guitar player Osvaldo Favrot founded Onda Corta. After many changes in the line-up the band featured Carlos Goler on drums, Claudio Martinez on bass and of course prime movers Fernando and Osvaldo in '72. Under their new name ESPIRITU the band gave a serie of gigs in '73 and released a single entitled "Soy la Noche". It was received well, ESPIRITU started to rehearse for their debut album and added a keyboard-player, first David Lebon but when he left Gustavo Fedel was willing to replace him. In this line-up ESPIRITU released their first album entitled "Crisalida" in '75, a fine symphonic rock record with echoes from GENESIS and YES. The band was at their pinnacle: good response from both fans and the press and spectacular live shows. Unfortunately Fedel decided to leave the band, he was replaced by Ciro Fogliatta and these musicians released the second album entitled "Libre y Natural". Because of lack of support from the record company, musical disputes and a lot of stress ESPIRITU disbanded in '76.

In '81 the record company invited Osvaldo and Fernando to make a new album, they had to search for new musicians because the other three original members were not able to join or not to trace. In '82 ESPIRITU finally released "Espiritu III", a year later followed by "En Movimiento" and in '96 the live album "Espiritu Live" in The Obras stadium '82" was released ("En Vivo En Obras" was the original title). In 2001 Osvaldo started to search for musicians in order to resurrect ESPIRITU. Despite the terrible circumstances in Argentina to make progrock (the media ignores it totally!) he succeeded, Osvaldo's son Fredirico was one of them! In 2003 this new line-up released "Fronteras Magicas". It was presented live in the ND Theatre on December 10th in 2003.

The first album "Crisalida" is their best effort, it contains beautiful and alternating compositions with many changing atmospheres (from mellow with acoustic guitar to up-tempo with heavy electric guitar), lush keyboards and some vocal harmonies. The most obvious hints are GENESIS and YES but the music is also often compared with the early Italian progrock like PFM and SEMIRAMIS, very melodic with lots of captivating musical ideas.

Info: www.espiriturock.com.ar

: : :Erik Neuteboom, The NETHERLANDS : : :
Fan & official Prog Archives collaborator


See also: HERE

ESPÍRITU Videos (YouTube and more)


Showing only random 3 | Show all ESPÍRITU videos (8) | Search and add more videos to ESPÍRITU

Buy ESPÍRITU Music


ESPÍRITU discography


Ordered by release date | Showing ratings (top albums) | Help Progarchives.com to complete the discography and add albums

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

3.65 | 98 ratings
Crisalida
1975
3.86 | 61 ratings
Libre Y Natural
1976
3.22 | 22 ratings
Espíritu III
1982
3.30 | 10 ratings
En Movimiento
1983
3.09 | 18 ratings
Fronteras Mágicas
2003

ESPÍRITU Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.75 | 8 ratings
Live ''En Obras'' '82
1996
4.12 | 6 ratings
En Vivo - 2004
2005

ESPÍRITU Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

ESPÍRITU Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.52 | 9 ratings
Compilado 2006
2006
3.26 | 7 ratings
Compilado 2008
2008
5.00 | 5 ratings
Entreciclos - 40 ańos
2013

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

ESPÍRITU Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Libre Y Natural by ESPÍRITU album cover Studio Album, 1976
3.86 | 61 ratings

BUY
Libre Y Natural
Espíritu Symphonic Prog

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

4 stars ESPIRITU had a pretty good run playing Symphonic music in Argentina, releasing four studio albums over a ten year period before making that comeback album some 20 years after that fourth record. Their first two albums are the ones to get, played in that similar melodic style but this the second of their first two has more fire. Almost seems like a toss-up when you look at opinions as to which one is the better record. I think both are low 4 star recordings, too good to give 3 stars but I have issues.

Especially when I've been listening to CRUCIS a lot lately and they also released two great albums the same year this one was released in 1976. I just think CRUCIS is the better band with the better songs. After ESPIRITU released their debut in 1975 their keyboardist left for another band so that's the only change from the debut as we get a new keyboardist. A five piece including the vocalist who I do like. At 32 minutes spread over eight songs it is a short one.

We get an under 2 minute intro track where organ, bass and drums standout. A top two song is the next one, the title track and it all works so well, the vocals especially. Some good contrasts between the calms and powerful sections. Check out those vocals before 4 minutes. Oh my!

The longest piece "Deselectriza Tu Mente" is my other top two. This one is all over the place but there's some incredible moments here. Some fast paced guitar early on as the bass and drums support soon to be joined by vocals. When the tempo slows it's still nasty. There's an instrumental section before 4 minutes that sounds so much like CAMEL to my ears.

That sixth track sounds so much like YES, well at least the first 1 1/2 minutes before it changes completely. There's a bit of crooning going on on a couple of tracks that I'm not into. That fourth track is great once we get past some of those vocals I was just talking about.

CRUCIS are still my go to band when it comes to Symphonic from Argentina but there's so much to enjoy here, always worth a listen.

 Crisalida by ESPÍRITU album cover Studio Album, 1975
3.65 | 98 ratings

BUY
Crisalida
Espíritu Symphonic Prog

Review by sgtpepper

4 stars In my opinion, Espiritu belongs to the typical Argentinian prog pack of the mid 70's. Enchanting music not lacking emotions, dynamic instrumental playing and several good music motives and drawing from hard rock and Argentinian folk. I like keyboard playing in particular. Songwriting is not as strong leading bands like Crucis or MIA although there aren't any throwaway songs. Vocals have a pleasant colour and singing in harmonies makes them sound folkish. The last track is the most symphonic and longest one with the bass and keyboard players shining through. While not counting as the Argentinian prog masterpiece, it makes a decent first stab in the band's discography and most proggers interested in a typical Argentinian prog will dig it.
 Crisalida by ESPÍRITU album cover Studio Album, 1975
3.65 | 98 ratings

BUY
Crisalida
Espíritu Symphonic Prog

Review by kenethlevine
Special Collaborator Prog-Folk Team

2 stars Like so many non Anglo releases from the mid and late 1970s, Espiritu's debut doggedly schleps around baggage from the early 1970s. While classified here as symphonic, it's really an eclectic blend of symph, heavy, folk and pop/psych, often within spitting distance of each other, and that's pretty much the effect as well.

All 8 tracks run together, but if they shifted the boundaries near or far I would be none the wiser. I'm not sure when post-it notes were invented but am a bit surprised they aren't in the credits. I wish they had channelled every ounce of energy into one engrossing number and the rest be damned, but instead beckon the listener to wade in the reeds for the occasional inspired moment strewn about willy nilly, the sort of thing one might search for again in vain. Really, there was this killer 5 seconds and I'm sure it was in track 4.5 somewhere! Oh well, back to that LA MAQUINA album I guess, or better yet TRIANA.

Gobs of spirited play notwithstanding, this effort lacks cohesion and focus, but perhaps they prioritized this and emerged from their chrysalis in subsequent releases. I am in the minority here in any case so by all means give this a whirl if the opportunity presents itself and my criticisms seem like trifles to you.

 Crisalida by ESPÍRITU album cover Studio Album, 1975
3.65 | 98 ratings

BUY
Crisalida
Espíritu Symphonic Prog

Review by Atavachron
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Absolutely yummy first effort from these Argentine masters, from the bracing, frantic Steve Howe fuzz guitar of Osvaldo Favro on 'La Casa de la Mente' to Gustavo Fidel's thrilling continuous keyboard runs in 'Eterna Evidencia', Espiritu cook up a mean stew and command every moment of this ambitious record. Occasionally reminiscent of early Italian bands as Biglietto per L'Inferno or IBdB, the album is not perfect in content or production with somewhat off vocal chorals and a spontaneous sound that defies conventional progisms. 'Hay un Mundo Luminoso' rocks well and finishes a great if flawed release from a surprising and largely unsung outfit.
 Libre Y Natural by ESPÍRITU album cover Studio Album, 1976
3.86 | 61 ratings

BUY
Libre Y Natural
Espíritu Symphonic Prog

Review by apps79
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars Heading for the recordings of a second album, Espiritu had to deal with a major departure, Gustavo Fedel left the band to join Generación Cero, he was immediately replaced by Ciro Fogliatta, member of the legendary Argentinian Beat band Los Gatos.Their new album was recorded at the Phonalex Studios, a regular home for major Argentinian Prog and Rock bands.It was titled ''Libre y natural'' and came out again on the Talent label in 1976.

Stylistically this one follows the vein of the previous release, establishing the band as one of the not so frequent entries in the Argentinian Symphonic Rock scene.With Fogliatta making heavy use of the same keyboard equipment as Fedel, Espiritu played a very YES-influenced Progressive Rock with big time symphonic arrangements, flashy keyboard parts, decent interplays and a normal taste of the South-American lands due to the Spanish vocals and laid-back acoustic passages.I would definitely expect some sort of originality, but the guys never escaped from the strong YES-rooted textures, which sees them making use of dominant, upfront bass lines and quirky keyboard splashes with the Moog synthesizer in evidence.In fact the more pastoral parts of the album also happen to be the more original ones, eventually giving space to a more Latin-spiced sound with a poetic lyricism and a rural enviroment.That's not to say that the richer movements are of a lower interest, the band sounded pretty great at moments, offering some very good instrumental parts with a couple of extraordinary guitar performances by Osvaldo Favrot, always in a YES vein, and cool keyboard lines on organ and synths.Lots of fine interplays to go along with some top notch complex ideas and Carlos Goler's outstanding drumming, which even flirts with jazzy patterns.

YES-influenced Prog Rock.You shouldn't expect that by a South-American band, but Espiritu did play so.At least they were pretty good and always made some room for some local acoustics during the gentle moments.Nice and recommended album.

 Compilado 2006 by ESPÍRITU album cover Boxset/Compilation, 2006
3.52 | 9 ratings

BUY
Compilado 2006
Espíritu Symphonic Prog

Review by Evolver
Special Collaborator Crossover & JR/F/Canterbury Teams

4 stars One of the finer things about this site is that one can learn about progressive bands that you would never have heard of otherwise. Espiritu, for me is one of those bands. This compilation is one of two that can be downloaded for free from the band's web site, and I thank them for that.

The opening notes of the first track give the impression that this band is going to be yet another Genesis imitation. But it doesn't take long before that impression is blown away with complex guitar, keyboard and drums. In fact, the best comparison I can make is to the vintage years of PFM. Yes, this is some highly technical, and well played symphonic prog.

My only complaint is that all too often the keyboards are way too low in the mix. It's not much of a complaint. 4 stars.

 Fronteras Mágicas by ESPÍRITU album cover Studio Album, 2003
3.09 | 18 ratings

BUY
Fronteras Mágicas
Espíritu Symphonic Prog

Review by maryes

3 stars "Fronteras Mágicas" the fifth studio work of the band ESPIRITU, is not gotten to be a complete deception, it doesn't also nor close to their best moments ("Chrysalis" and "Libre & Natural"). Maybe it is due to the fact that the guitarrist Osvaldo favrot is the only remain menber of the original line-up of the band, which is decisve in my point of view . Although, it should emphasize that the substitutes musicians are great , the disk in certain moments arrives to monotony, what is already a sin in terms of progressive music. However, there are really some instrumental and vocal passages in the disk that deserves prominence, as in the vocal of Track 1 "Polarians",a Track 5 "Anything that decirte") one of the best moments of the album) with ar "riff" that reminds something of Rush and a hammond-organ solo to Jon Lord or Ken Hesley's style, the Track 6 "Frío" that sends us to moments of space-prog bands as Hydria Spacefolk and also to Mike Oldfield's style, Track 8 "Ciudad of Locos" with a melodic line that reminded me Eloy, Track 10 "Psicosis 2002" that brings an abbreviation instant of King Crinsom in the melody. However, if we take in consideration that the disk has 68 duration min I find very a little to highlight. For these considerations my rate is 3 stars.
 Compilado 2008 by ESPÍRITU album cover Boxset/Compilation, 2008
3.26 | 7 ratings

BUY
Compilado 2008
Espíritu Symphonic Prog

Review by toroddfuglesteg

3 stars The second and the least interesting free compilation album from Espiritu.

It seems like this compilation album is mostly concentrated on the final half of their albums. Albums which is more in the Italian pomp pop tradition than in the RPI tradition. I am not a fan of Italian pomp pop, btw. Some of the other songs here are also more in the classic British prog tradition (Genesis springs to mind) and RPI tradition (Banco springs to mind). This blend still makes this compilation album from this Argentine band an interesting listen and should spur people onto discovering the rest of their albums. Which I have done.

In this world wide web age, can we get more of free compilation albums like these, please ? I believe Espiritu (and Ifsounds and Elegant Simplicity) will benefit greatly from free compilation albums like this. After all, they cost next to nothing to put out on the net.

In the meantime, enjoy this album and discover a band from Argentina which is well worth your attention. I am sure there is something on their two compilation albums most people will love.

I am now moving onto their studio albums. Something I would not had done without these two compilation albums.

3 stars

 Compilado 2008 by ESPÍRITU album cover Boxset/Compilation, 2008
3.26 | 7 ratings

BUY
Compilado 2008
Espíritu Symphonic Prog

Review by memowakeman
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars Now the second free compilation!

This is the second free compilation album that Argentinean band Espíritu offers in their website. So if you are interested in getting stuff from one representative band from the Latin American scene, you have to check this out.

Nowadays, it is a great advantage for us, the listeners that musicians are closer to the technology and internet sites, so now we can listen to their music if we just visit their sites and click on some link, as easy as this. It is also a strategy that some bands use in order to fight piracy, so it is better to offer some (just some) music for free. Espiritu, in a wise decision decided to put in our hands (or ears) these two compilation albums that will lead us to know their music in a deeper way.

Now, the only thing I did not really expect, was that they did not include music from their first two albums: "Crisálida" from 1975 and "Libre y Natural" from 1978, those two albums includes some of their best music in my opinion, it would have been nice if songs like "Sueńos Blancos Ideas Negras" or "Libre y Natural" were included. Actually, here there is a live version of "Deselectriza tu Mente" but I prefer the studio version this time.

So, as the previous compilation, this one also offers tracks from "Espiritu III"; "En Movimiento"; "Fronteras Mágicas"; and the live album "En vivo 2004". The music is mostly symphonic rock with that Argentinean flavor, but with keyboards and guitars that in moments will remind you to some RPI bands, or even some 70s acts from England.

My favorite songs here are "La Casa de la Mente" which is the longest song from the two compilation albums, and that shows their creativity and intensity; "Ella de Visita" which starts as a soft ballad, but later turns rockier and more interesting, with great guitar riffs; and "Frío" which is a more experimental, yet interesting song.

To be honest, I prefer a little the first 2006 compilation, but this is also nice, another good album that can help people get involved in Espiritu's music. So again, I recommend you to go and download them. My final grade, three stars.

Enjoy it!

 Compilado 2006 by ESPÍRITU album cover Boxset/Compilation, 2006
3.52 | 9 ratings

BUY
Compilado 2006
Espíritu Symphonic Prog

Review by memowakeman
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars Nice compilation from this Argentinean band!

This is one of those bands that one can listen and listen and always find moments of pleasure. Espíritu, from Argentina was formed in the early seventies and recorded some studio and live albums, all of them with that latin American touch, however there is a clear influence taken from the symphonic giants from both, United Kingdom and Italy.

Now that our fellow collaborator Torodd interviewed Osvaldo Fravot, I was again interested in this band, whose album Crisálida has to be one of the most representative records from the Argentinean progressive realm. And thanks to this interview I could notice that if you visit their website, you can download for free a couple of compilation albums, "Compilado 2006" and "Compilado 2008", right now I am reviewing the first one.

For people who are not familiar with the band's music, the opportunity of a compilation album might help them to find out if the music is what they are looking for or not, though I am not a true fan of best of or greatest hits albums, I believe they can work as introductory albums for newcomers. So anyone who does not know Espíritu and don't want to spend some money, can go and download these samplers.

In this 2006 CD, what you will find is a mix of studio and live songs taken from different albums. "Imágenes Tenues y Transparentes" and "Un Viaje por los Recuerdos" were both taken from their "En Vivo" album from 2005. Both track show that their sound on stage is also great, so anyone who likes prog from South America would have loved to attend to one of their shows.

The other chosen songs, can be found in their three last studio albums: "Espiritu III" from 1982; "En Movimiento" from 1983; and "Fronteras Mágicas" from 2003. So as you can notice, this compilation album does not feature any song from their 70s albums. The music here has that special flavor from Argentina, if you are familiar with bands like Invisible, Crucis or MIA, you will enjoy for sure Espíritu. Their symphonic oriented music with great keyboards, excellent guitar works, along with that soft voice will please the listener.

My favorite songs are "Lento Juego de Luces", whose first seconds are not that great, but while the song is running it becomes more and more interesting; "Guardianes en Pie" whose keyboard sound shows their first class quality; and "Requiem X" which is a soft but beautiful melody in my opinion.

Let me tell you that this is not the best compilation album you will find, actually I would have changed some of the songs here for others I like more, however, as I told you earlier I believe this is a nice album if you want to know the band. If you have time, please download this, and download the 2008 sampler, which I will review right away. My final grade, three stars.

Enjoy it!

Thanks to ProgLucky for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.