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Argentinian singer and composer Rodrigo San Martin was born in 1988, evolving from a young pianist to a Rock multi-instrumentalist with Classical and Jazz education and influences over the years.Already from his teenager period his activities were endless: Composing, experimenting with music production and later organizing his own Prog fest named ''Close to the Edge Buenos Aires Prog Fest'', while he has been a member of several less-known Prog and Jazz projects.In 2010 San Martin played, recorded, mixed and mastered himslef his first solo album ''1''.

With faith on his own strengths the young Argentinian's first production includes one very long eponymous composition, clocking at almost 40 minutes.Do not expect though a breakless piece, there are a few interruptions between the different movements, but at the end this is a pretty solid epic composition.Stylistically ''1'' steps with one foot on 70's Classic Prog and the other on more contemporary Prog stylings, drawing influences from all KING CRIMSON era's, Italian Prog and modern bands such as PORCUPINE TREE.The basic fashion is a lovely Symphonic Rock with orchestral melodies and sampled string sections, blended with atmospheric Mellotron washes and calm piano interludes.It's kind of close to IAN GORDON's material at times.Among these harmonic and melodious themes however there are plenty of heavier moods with complex, FRIPP-ian guitar workouts and powerful Alt Rock-styled grooves with distorted vocals, along with some more poppy and relaxed vocal harmonies.Yes, it contains all the components of a great prog epic, the use of sampled instrumentation is sometimes holding this down, but generally the ideas are satisfying with tons of changing themes and some impressive instrumental textures.

San Martin has included a few bonus tracks in his first work, showing his diverse talent and inspirations and scanning the territories of Blues Rock, Art Pop, acoustic music and Jazz, which are quite pleasant for the ear but rather far from the tite track's atmosphere.

Young and talented artist with a debut album worth investigating, ranging from symphonic and nostalgic grandieur to pretty heavier demonstrations.Recommended.