ENBOR

When I think about 1970's spanish progressive rock, automatically flashes of their political situation comes on my mind. I'll presente some notes about it. They only experienced the return of democracy on november, 1975. Before that, and for 36 years, there was a semi-fascist regime in curse. And I suppose you know that arts and culture are severely controled and censored on these socio-political contexts. In addition, it can't be said that the transition to democracy was quick and peaceful. The first ellections made on the country at the time was in june 1977. Looking at the particular specific reality on the Basque Country, the debate about their independence started on the 19th Century. But by the time progressive rock was at its peak, the region was living the escalation of violence. On one side there was the armed group ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna; in euskara, Basque Homeland and Liberty). On the other side, the dictatorial objectives of Francisco Franco. They saw the beginning of a more peaceful coexistence after the Constitution of 1978, that gave partial autonomy to the Basque Country. But unfortunately ETA carried on their violent movement, and soon far-rigt paramilitary groups were fighting against ETA. An interesting "detail" emerged from these superficial researches I made. ETA's symbol is a serpent coiled around na ax. What immediatelly reminded me the Lost Vinyl Records's logo. Therefore, during all that musical effervescence on Italy, Germany and specially United Kingdom, spanish and basque artists/musicians were working and submitted to different forces and conditions. Considering that the decline of progressive rock was from 1979 (when this album was released) beyond, they really didn't have much time to surf on the same wave.

Now I'll finally go to its review. Good rythmyc sections and a lot of acoustic guitar is present on the beginning of the first track. Throughout all its extention there are nice vocal harmonies sang in euskara. A striking bass, and interesting synth interventions. Clarinet is beautifully performed, an instrument that appears on other tracks, mainly of side A. The sax, that shows himself less than the other instruments, is hitting the spot this time. A nice flute opens the next track. The rythmyc sections are a bit faster and with a tiny more swing. Good guitar solos and refined harmonies, along with the passionate vocals, male and female, are enough to captivate my ears. And with some short parts which have a slight jazzy feeling, I'd say this song is one of the highlights of the album. Third track begins fabulous on the acoustic guitar. The percussion instruments make inventive marks on the composition, and once again there's this tiny jazzy mood, and vocals are again very melodic. Next track has a more simple composition, but flute, clarinet and guitar make good contributions. The best characteristic of fifth track are the vocals the alternation and combination of the different singers is marvelous. The instrumentals aren't so good, even though the clarinet is inspired. It's one of the longest songs. The penultimate track begins with this very intriguing, unique and powerful sax. A diversificated composition, with a firm and technical approach made by the clarinet, altogether with some of the best rythmiyc harmonies, interludes and fillments of the disc. And also probably the most jazzistic execution among all the compositions, even though it really doesn't become a jazz-rock fusion execution. They still remain on the folk-prog realm, but more "agressive". The last track is by far the best song of the album, and can be chosen for many prog rock compilations. The partnership between the acoustic guitar, the xylophone, bass and flute is amazing! This song is totally instrumental, but the singers make some gorgeous vocalizations. On its second half, incredible atabaques grows on the composition, before a very melodic guitar repeats outstanding phrases.

This disc is one of the great demonstrations of basque prog folk. I don't speak euskara, not even a language similar to it. But I find it so mellow that I translated almost all the lyrics, with google translator and some amount of wisdom and coeherence. Below I presente some of its parts.

1st track - Storms Storms inside the soul / Centuries without stars and bells / on the stormy sea / A nervous and silente cry / the pain / the passion / always resigns / ordered pains / cross the ages / in renunciations of goodwill

3rd track - Loving You Loving you / I'll fly / between flowering chimneys / and be ashamed / of my 15-year old diary / In an old wardrobe / breaking the seas / Learning words in silence / I'll offer in silence / a poem / loving you

6th track - You Don't Know You don't know how it is / the cry of the Man / when the sunset clings to the forehead

You don't know how it is / to be alone / alone / without loneliness / You don't know how it is / you don't know

Musically I give them a 3.5. But the combinations of vocals and lyrics rises them up to 3.7.