VOLUME 7

One of the most historical Psychedelic Rock bands from Brazil, Violeta de Outono from Sao Paolo were found in 1984 by guitarist Fabio Golfetti and drummer Claudio Sousa, after both left the group Zero.Together with bassist Angelo Pastorello they formed a very energetic trio, creating six Psych Rock albums over the span of two decades.In 2005 they were joined by keyboardist Fernando Cardoso, but this was also they year the trio was split, as Pastorello left Violeta de Outono to be replaced by Gabriel Costa.Two years later the Brazilian veterans returned with their seventh studio work ''Volume 7'', recorded in just two days at Mash Studios and released on Voiceprint for Brazil and Musea Records in Europe.

The addition of keyboards have given the band a nice fresh color and to my ears Violeta de Outono sound extremely similar to early-70's British Psych/Prog groups like very early CARAVAN or CRESSIDA.The tracks show a great balance between light grooves and organ jams and are characterized by a melodic and dreamy sound full of positive energy.In the same vein the vocals are also quite warm yet expressive.Cardoso is the main reason that Violeta de Outono sound a lot like a British band with his lovely and vintage organ moves, the discreet use of synths and the careful addition of ethereal piano lines.Fabio Golfetti's guitar remains another leading force of the group, smooth chords exchanged with more upfront solos with a retro aesthetic.The longer tracks sound more flexible like ''Pequenos Seres Errantes'' that even features a strong, spacey atmosphere now with the synthesizers in evidence and the long grooves performed by the rhythm section or ''Fronteira'' with its changing moods, the harder guitars and the richer overall sound.

With ''Volume 7'' Violeta de Outono step carefully within the fields of Progressive Rock.70's-influenced Psych/Prog with good groovy parts and interesting melodies is the result on this effort, that comes warmly recommended.