ALAS

1. "Buenos Aires Solo es Piedra" (15:48) Very much like a mix between EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER (ELP), FOCUS, and PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI (PFM). The side-long suite contains several quirky motifs that feel carnivalesque as well as one smooth, pretty one with a trumpet solo. Very impressive composition, musicianship, and rendering. (28/30):

2. "La Muerte Contó el Dinero" (17:36) I like the Gregorian chant-like opening vocals (reminding me a lot of Hungarian band After Crying). The second (awesome) motif falls completely into the veins of ELP and FOCUS. This is then followed by a part that reminds me of both Focus and Chilean band Los Jaivas. Bassist Alex Zucker has a most excellent Chris SQUIRE style and tone and keyboard maestro is all over the place (even into a little jazzy-ness in the sixth minute). A really wonderful prog epic--one of the best I've ever heard! (33.75/35):

3. "Aire" (bonus track) (4:35) a fun jazz- and pop- infused instrumental to add to the two epics.

Total Time 37:59

A very well-composed, sell-performed, and stunningly well-recorded album--especially for a debut--until the day when ELP, Focus, and PFM get reassigned to a jazz-related sub-genre, I will remain steadfastly adamant that this band has no place in Jazz-Rock Fusion. But what impresses me most about this band--and this, their debut album--is how they seem to have taken the magic and fire of both ELP and Focus--two Symphonic forces!--somehow removed the egos in order to create music/songs/epics that goes beyond--surpasses--those of their inspirateurs.

A/five stars; an unassailable masterpiece of original and highly sophisticated symphonic progressive rock music. Essential for any self-proclaimed "prog lover."

Social review comments

Review related links

• Send comments to BrufordFreak
• Report this review (#3087945)
• Buy ALAS music online with PA partners
• Show all ALAS MP3/Stream
• Go to ALAS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Alas page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for ALAS related discussions