SOL DE MEDIANOCHE

The last album to date from this Spanish fully embraces the prog folk roots. The music here (as in previous records) is rather complex and is far from this syrupy ballads that most of the bands referenced in this category are often playing.

What I don't like are the global vocalizing effects of Marta Segura (with some exceptions), and this throughout the album. It is quite difficult to bear for such a long work. They are most of the time quite embarrassing and resemble more to lamentations rather than enjoyable and melodic parts.

Musical influences are many. Medieval and traditional the first long piece of this album: "Hermits" is quite conventional for the genre and leans here and there on Tull.

Obviously, the Oriental ones (remember that Spain was conquered for several centuries) like during the long and languishing "Ishak The Fisherman" are pretty remarkable. Flute, mellotron, violin and surprising vocals make it a quite successful track.

Another highlight from "Sol De Medianoche" (midnight sun) is "Wendigo". It is a strange mix of flamenco, jazz and symphonic prog. It is quite well achieved actually. Great work on the organ as well.

The title track is another long and complex piece of music. Maybe too complex? It mixes jazz, and Eastern influences again. There are some fine piano parts as well, which conveys some tranquil feeling in the midst of this "heavy" track. Needless to say that the (too) few mellotron lines are beautiful and quite pleasant to my ears.

In all, this is a good album; in my views somewhat behind their excellent "Quentadharken" which remains my preferred "Amarok" album. Three stars.