PANORAMA

MAHTRAK were a four piece band out of Brazil who released "Panorama" their sole album in 2009. It's interesting that three of the band members here were practising for a new project that would eventually be called SOLARSHIFT. When guitarist Antonio Rodriguez joined them for some jams and took them in a new direction that had them all excited. So they put SOLARSHIFT on hold while they focussed on making music for this new band they would call MAHTRAK.

They clearly went into more of a Jazz mode with MAHTRAK. I recently read some comments by the keyboardist Paulo Viana who said his second instrument is the alto sax which he wanted to use on this album but was vetoed by the drummer who does not like sax. Cris the drummer is a Rock drummer and while I have no complaints with his performance here, in fact I quite like it, it would have been better to have a Jazz drummer on the stool, and sax.

I love that album cover, and it's too bad the picture on the site here wasn't more clear. Tornadoes and hot air balloons don't mix very well. My package opens to a three panel picture, kind of, with the middle one having the track listing and bunch of other information. The bass player Fabio Cesar is amazing by the way. He and the keyboardist really impress here. We get eleven tracks over 41 plus minutes.

The opener "Tempestade" was the first song they completed from those original rehearsals. In the liner notes they describe it as being in a 5/8 groove, perfect for soloing. A hammond organ and guitar duel later with electric piano leading early. "Breeza" is a 11/2 minute piece led by piano early before all come on board. "Nachos Y Tequila" explores latin rhythms and textures and played live they would extend it into a long jam. "Sinestesia" is the piano intro for "Mantra" a piece I like with the drumming and organ standing out.

The title track opens with organ and bass but is joined by drums and guitar quickly. This is relaxed and mid-paced. Organ and guitar lead the way. "Frankenstein Goes To Disneyland" is not so surprisingly experimental. A nice change actually. This dissonant vibe continues into the short next song that's a minute long. "Crystal Canyon" features the unique tone of an old fender telecaster guitar. There are several themes here. Another short piece follows at under 3 minutes that is quite mellow.

The closer is "Oraculo" and it might be my overall favourite. In the liner notes they mention the tribal drumming mid-way through and jungle affects. I find the synths emotional on this one, and they will come and go. This is a solid album but not the cream of the crop. Still, it was an enjoyable record to play each time I put it on.

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