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QUEMANDO OSCURIDADMadame ClausSymphonic Prog3.52 | 11 ratings |
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Cesar Inca
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Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator |
Argentine band Madame Claus creates a very pleasant form of modern symphonic
prog, at times leaning somewhat close to pop-rock and melodic hard rock, yet retaining
the flair of sophistication necessary to keep an essential attainment to prog rock. Their
album "Quemando Oscuridad" is an attractive legacy of what this band is all about. The
recurrent line of work is based on a solid melodic approach and a constraint use of
complexity in teh arrangements. Also, the sense of ensemble is well-ordained, which is
helped by the fact that each and every number is built on a precise melodic vibe. Lead
vocalist Daniel Fernández has a very charismatic feel, and it's fair to say that this is a
very important factor for the elaboration of the material's artsy pretensions. Some of
the band's main influences come from its own homecountry - Serú Girán, Almendra and
Spinetta-Jade -, but also from early 80s Alan Parsons, 78-79 era Genesis and late 70s
Pink Floyd. The lyrics convey existencial and social issues in a way that feels very
honest, which is helped by the dramatic nuances that the lead guitar and keyboard
layers provide here and there. In fact, it is significant that the first track kicks off with
newsradio reports and the last two tracks portray a sense of contemplative
melancholy. The repertoire is quite even, although you can tell some distinct highlights.
One of them is the energetic 'Caravana', which combines stylish blues-rock vibrations
and controlled complexity in rhythm patterns during the interlude. 'Aunque Muera la
Piedad' displays an aura of sheer melancholy, so common to find in Latin American
symphonic prog. This beautiful song is arguably the most accomplished example of
Madame Claus working intensively on the melodic side of things. 'Última Jugada' brings
some weirdness to the fore, alternating Latin-fusion percussions, bandoneon sounds
and slightly hard prog rock; this is a showcase for the instrumentalists' finesse, and so
is the effective instrumental 'Obertura'. My personal top highlight of the album
is 'Waco', which is where the band decides to explore somber ambiences without letting
go of their melodic approach. This track particularly reminds me of Redd (another
Argentine band from the 70s). "Quemando Oscuridad" is, first of all, a catalogue of
honest beauty in the shape of a sequence of moderately complex songs. Not a
masterpiece per se, but definitely a proof that there's still potential for novelty and
originality among the usual lines of modern symphonic progressive rock. Madame Claus
is a band to check out, indeed: their legacy is good to excellent.[This review has been written a few days after the announcement of Madame Claus' breakup. I dedicate this review to all band members - thank you for the music!]
Cesar Inca |
3/5 |
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