FANDANGOS IN SPACE

I've just listened to this LP after quite some time and I'm convinced that it keeps on getting better and better with each play. When I purchased the ABC Dunhill issue (with a completely different cover) from a record fair in the mid-90's I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. As I alluded to, it took many plays for me to actually grasp all the subtleties and dynamics this album has to offer, even if the very beautiful Angela Allen was credited with mellotron and synth (an ARP, I'd say) !! Very much influenced by Spanish style music, the album starts off almost immediately in 'top gear' with the wonderful mini-suite 'Bulerias', an ever-shifting composition which displays the talents of all musicians, (which included future Jethro Tull Bassist John Glascock, and a mighty bass-player was he - bless 'im), very impressive - at one point, the band churns out a fierce semi-tone riff with some fiery guitar playing from David Allen (not of Gong fame). Lead vocalist Roberto Amaral and Angela Allen also contribute excellent 'footwork' at various points, allegedly having an amplified foot-board for live performances (I can just picture them now, with red roses in their mouths....), and together with castenet playing, they really emphasise traditional Spanish folk themes, putting a highly original stamp on their brand of prog-rock. All tracks follow in similar fashion, never a dull moment throughout, even displaying some reflective moments. The album was produced by the famous Tony Visconti - the sound being a little 'tinny' and thin (particularly the synth-work and guitaring), but the rhythm section has a strong 'bottom end' to it. The most difficult part of this album for many may be the slightly 'mariachi' vocals, but they fit the 'concept' of the band and album perfectly - I guess it just took me a while to accept this. Very highly recommended.