LOS JAIVAS [AKA: TODOS JUNTOS; LA VENTANA]

You should really go a step further than the opening track which is absolutely boring and which features very poor lyrics to discover an enthusiastic music. Rather different in its essence of course, because of its origin. There are very few bands with some aura in Chile, and they started their career ages ago (even several years before releasing their first album).

The band is playing a joyful ethnic music which will later on be combined with pleasant prog sounds. Nevertheless, the title track is rather pleasant. Percussion work is great, but this characteristic was already noticeable on their debut album.

Spanish lyrics are in my case an integrated fact in my life but I don't think that it shouldn't halt you in the discovery of this band. Not all the tracks featured here are good (Mira Niñita, Los Caminos Que Se Abren) but some very pleasant native Andean sounds are worth your attention (Indio Hermano). But of course, you would need to be ready for such a South American trip.

This band fully belong to the prog folk genre (a lot more than several other bands included in this category on PA). Be prepared for a special adventure while listening to Los Jaivas. This album is far from being essential. It is a rather different music than the classic one catalogued for review. It is not their best work and it also holds some weak numbers (Ayer Cache, La Quebrá Del Aji).

As one could experienced during their debut album, some Santana sounds are features here as well. Corre Que Te Pillo holds both guitar and percussions which will remind you of this great band. Cuero Y Piel is another attempt of this filiation, but only percussion are on par. At the end of the day, this is not a great track.

Several songs are quite long on this album. But to be honest, such an extended piece as Ciclo Vital is not vital at all. One of the weakest number from this work.

I can't really rate this album higher than two stars. The band will release better albums, so watch out for Los Jaivas later work.