FREAK

Three years after "Persona", Alejandro Matos released another album: "Freak". Basically, this album shows a similar style as "Persona", dark progressive rock with Argentinian influences in the melodies, but the approach on "Freak" is far more symphonic. "Freak" shows a greater diversity in the usage of instruments: there are more keyboards and acoustic instruments. The vocal performance has obviously improved. Veronica Marjbein on violin appears as a guest musician, all the other instruments are played by Alejandro himself.

Just like "Persona", the album consists of two parts: "Anormal" and "Normal", of different length, and one epic track inbetween.

"Falso Primogénito" is a strong opener, starting with acoustic guitar and vocals. When the organ enters in and the sound becomes heavier after one minute, it reminds me of Van der Graaf Generator. The next track, "El Mas Allá", grew on me after a few listens. I like the guitar here in the first three minutes; it makes me think a bit of Steve Hackett-era Genesis. "Verde por Dentro" is a dominated by keyboards and closes with a beautiful violin solo, about 1.5 minutes in length.

"El Infierno de los Buenos", the 18:51 minute track between the "Anormal" and "Normal" sections, can be added to the list of excellent prog epics. This well- composed piece starts with piano, but the guitar takes over soon. The vocal parts are alternated by symphonic instrumental parts in which different instruments play the starring role. It is my favourite track on this album.

"La Pasión según el Canibal" starts with organ and bass in a slow 5/4. After it has become heavier, the track finishes with an IQ-ish guitar solo and some ambient keyboard chords. Then "La Pasion según el Canibal II", an instrumental, takes over and improvises on the theme of the second half of the first part. A great track.

"Invernadero de Preguntas" is a collection of noises: spacey synth sounds with a cycle of some squealing sound and voices. I think I hear some German in it. After one more track, "El Resto", the album ends quietly with "Sombras sin Filo", in which the vocals are accompanied by an acoustic guitar only.

My overall impression is that Alejandro Matos has made alot of progress in his development as a composer and a musician, as this album proves. "Freak" is a crown achievement for an artist who plays almost all the music on his own. I can surely recommend this album to anyone who is interested in dark eclectic prog. This album deserves 4 stars and a recommendation; no rounding up is needed.