TRISTES NOTICIAS DEL IMPERIO

Redd started their discography with this little gem of Argentinean prog "Tristes Noticias del Imperio" - a nice musical work very much influenced by Invisible and Genesis, plus unmistakable King Crimson hints and a heavily jazz-oriented approach on the rhythmic department (mainly due to drummer Juan Escalante's vibe). Unlike their sophomore album recorded one year later with an altered line-up, this album doesn't bear a meticulously developed compositional work: the repertoire's main appeal is based on the dynamics created through the interaction of all three musicians, occasionally augmented by overdubbed guitar parts and synth ornaments. Concerning the repertoire, the CD edition states a different tracklist from the one in the original vinyl, but in my opinion the moods are not essentially modified. I'll comment on the CD edition. The namesake opener brings a catchy, deceitfully simplistic motif constructed around the busy drums and Spartan guitar riffs, followed by two distinct sung sections that go from a melodic jazzy scheme to a slightly bluesy hard rock drive. This track really works as an opener despite the fact that it was the vinyl's closure. 'Kamala' brings a set of serene ambiences, mostly relying on the folkish acoustic guitar: it is a pity that the synth ornaments come right before the track ends, because they promised to bring a more elaborated climax. 'Reyes en Guerra' states a mid-tempo rocker whose lyrics portray disillusionment at the military regime that ruled supreme in Argentine at the time: it's arguably the most powerful track in the album compositionally, and indeed, a Redd classic. 'Matinée' is another Redd classic, stating a melancholy mood on a bluesy jazz tempo, slow as the mood demands it be. 'Nocturno de Enero' really should have been longer: the bucolic prologue and epilogue are delivered properly (almost like "Trespass"-era Genesis-meets CSNY), but the jazz-prog interlude deserved a major development in terms of contrast building. This track promised to be more accomplished in terms of writing and arrangements. 'Kamala II' and 'Kamala III' (the latter, a bonus) continue in the soft, reflective mood stated by the first 'Kamala' theme. The two instrumentals 'Parche Armónico' and 'Después de un Mes', recorded live and included as bonuses, find the band exploring their heavy prog side: Escalante really brings it on with his solid drumming. I only wish this side had been more present in the official tracklist. Anyway, this is a very good album from a band that only recently has gained recognition from prog fans over the world. While not equaling the magic of "Cuentos del Subuselo", "Tristes Noticias" is a very good sample of the kind of prog created in South America in the good old times.