MAR DE ROBLES

4.5 stars. This is one record that seemed to be made for me from beginning to end. Like Eric mentioned in his review I didn't realise either that there are no keyboards on this album. I was just enjoying the scorching lead guitar, chunky bass and the sax / flute melodies too much to even notice. There also is a drummer and a percussionist rounding out the sound. The vocalist by the way sings in Spanish and is very dramatic in his delivery a lot of the time. I should mention as well that there are samples used at the start or end of the songs here.

The first track "Intrduccion Al Universo Conocido" for example features the sound of someone walking and then opening a door, and then changing channels before flushing the toilet. This is a short intro song(no music) of one minute. "Involusion" is an uptempo track with sax, drums and guitar standing out to begin with. Percussion arrives then a calm as bass only can be heard before vocals a minute in and a full sound returns. Flute is great with more terrific bass lines. Another calm after 2 1/2 minutes with gentle guitar, flute and bass. Percussion joins in, and the song takes off again before 4 minutes. Vocals and a nice heavy sound as flute plays over top. Great section ! Blistering guitar follows. Sax is back. Nice.The song ends with samples of traffic sounds, then birds and water. "Nomades" is pastoral to open as gentle guitar and flute play. They are then joined by bass, drums and reserved vocals.The guitar 2 minutes in grinds away beautifully as bass comes in and more passionate vocals. It settles back down a notch before 4 minutes.The percussion, strummed guitar and bass melody to follow is cool. Flute 6 minutes in joins the melody. More great guitar before 7 minutes as bass and drums play on. Some crazy laughing comes and goes. It ends with the birds chirping.

"Tantic" is one of my favourite songs on here, it opens with some nice bass as the guitar comes in grinding away. Flute joins in. This sounds fantastic ! Love the guitar. Flute and bass after 3 minutes as it has settled down. More amazing guitar after 4 minutes and later around 5 1/2 minutes. More samples to end this one of water and other sounds. "Milodon" is another favourite, it opens with some heavy bass as guitar, drums and flute join in. Check out the ripping guitar solo to follow. Incredible. Vocals after 2 minutes, then flute takes the lead with gentle guitar. Percussion before some strange vocal melodies. Drums then keep a steady beat as guitar cries out much like on RUSH's "Xanadu" song. More fat bass follows 5 1/2 minutes in and then a full sound. More samples. "Aire Chileno" again brings to mind RUSH to open before tribal-like drumming and flute take over. The bass is throbbing and the guitar comes and goes. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. I love the guitar / bass melody 4 1/2 minutes in that goes on and on until it becomes even heavier with sax a minute later. Vocals are back after 7 1/2 minutes. Great song.

"El Flecha" is a cool sounding tune with prominant flute and bass. Sax after 2 minutes with some grinding guitar a minute later as drums pound away. "V/S..." opens with some outstanding guitar with bass and drums. Flute joins in. Bass solo comes and goes. Guitar 3 1/2 minutes in is angular again just the way I like it. Flute, gentle guitar and bass after 4 minutes. Vocals 5 minutes in. Bass solo follows as guitar again makes me smile. Dead silence after 7 minutes for a minute. Why ? Laughing ends it.

I really have a connection with so many bands from Chile, and it's no different with this remarkable band. This was a blast.