SINKRONOS

"Sinkronos" is the third opus by the talented Argentinean progressive multi-instrumentalist Hyacintus - a long overdue follow-up to the splendid "Fantasia en Concerto". If the aforesaid sophomore Hyacintus effort was a real highlight in the recent history of Argentina's symphonic rock due to its accomplished epic atmospheres, "Sinkronos" manages to distance itself a bit from the epic framework in favor of the elaboration of a modernized approach to the standards of symphonic prog. As usual, "Sinkronos" was conceived as a concept-album, this time revolving around the mission undertaken by a man who has to let joy and good feelings lead the way so he can properly fulfill it. The album kicks off on a quite extroverted note with 'Mission Dadá', with a stylish accentuation on guitar harmonies and keyboard orchestrations: it is appealing without getting really that pompous. 'Hipno Délfico' goes for dreamy atmospheres, mainly dominated by the dialogues between piano and acoustic guitar; here we find a sort of mixture of Wakeman's romantic side and early 80s Vangelis. 'Ritual Lunar (El Fraude)' brings back the solemnity that had been so patent in the opener, with a catchy vibe that may remind us of The Alan Parsons Project at its best (circa "Pyramid" and "Turn of a Friendly Card"). Personally, I would have enjoyed this track more had it explored a fuller sound in its global framework, but overall, it shows a well accomplished compositional work. The use of a bossanova section featuring acoustic guitar in the coda makes an unexpected, effective adornment. The following tracks are distributed in two groups of three: the groups are 'Sueño 1' and 'Sueño 2' 'Shakespeare! (Ethical)' starts 'Sueño 1' with full symphonic splendor, including the use of ethnic cadences in the rhythmic basis. 'Explore (Plan SEA)' combines sobriety and emotion: the evocative piano phrases and the ethereal synth layers convey a sense of loneliness. 'Implacable Kronos', on the other hand, states a rocking dynamics verging on the standard of melodic hard rock. As we get closer to the end, the track evolves into bombastic grounds before the arrival of a classical guitar coda on a deep Baroque tone. 'Sueño 2' begins with 'Asoma (SErA)', which restates many of the ambiences and moods that had already been present in tracks 1 and 4, albeit set on a stronger symphonic trend. 'Heart Place' remains on eerie moods, featuring melancholic lines on classical guitar and subtly complex keyboard layers. This is arguably the most beautiful composition in the album, certainly that's what it seems to me. 'Mission Recordada', lasting 10 minutes, is the album's longest track: the linkage between various moods shows a powerful consistency through the constant symphonic moods that successfully articulate the whole architecture. The dreamy serenity in the final moments makes it easy for the emergence of 'Vesenevi', the cosmic cantata that ends the album in a ceremonious fashion. In comparison, "Sinkronos" does not get to impress me as much as "Fantasia en Concerto", but I regard it as an excellent prog item, all the same. Hyacintus is an important name to be considered when we think about South America's contemporary prog rock - tarcks 2, 4, 8 and 9 are my personal favorites out of "Sinkronos".