A GOLPE DE LÁTIGO

After the release of such an exceptional debut album as "Cuentos de Ayer Y de Hoy" this second Ñu album might sound a bit pale in comparison. There will be some major changes in the line-up of the band for this release (but it will be often the case).

The most noticeable change will be the replacement of the incredible guitar player. José María García Sini was exceptional and Eduardo Garcia really does not hold the comparison. Drummer's change won't have the same consequences.

At least it is the impression that I got while listening to "Entrada Al Reino" which could be considered as an "Overture". Somewhat pompous and reminiscent of ELP (would you believe !). A better Ñu is featured in "A Golpe de Látigo". The band is back with his crazy hard-rock and fantastic rhythms. We are back on the very good track !

Ñu is definitively a band apart. When you listen to the almost classical intro for "A La Casa Del Ñu", some Lord (Jon of course) flavour is there, no doubt. From Purple to Tull. This is the proposal of the band in this song. The lamented vocals are irriting to my ears here. I usually like the high-pitched José Carlos vocals but it seems that he is willing to do too much here. The finale, is on the hard side. But Ñu is really more a hard-rock band than a prog one; although that the combination of flute, mellotron and violin makes it a bit too bold to categorize purely as hard (heavy)-rock band. At least during their early years.

I guess that the best example is "El Flautista" ("The Flautist"). A marvel of a prog song dominated by...flute of course. Brilliant play : prog, folk... did I say Tull ? Actually, this song is really great. So different than the other parts of their repertoire, so pastoral. Their leader is a very gifted musician but a great songwriter as well.

The comparison with Ian (Anderson, of course) as never been that close. It is a real pity for that this band that didn't have more exposure. They were very popular in Spain. But in other parts of the world, they are rather confidental. Thanks to PA, I was curious to discover them. And believe, I wasn't disappointed.

"La Galería" is probably closer to "Focus" this time. But, you have to admit that a band combining the qualities of Purple, Tull and Focus needs some attention. This is also a good prog song and the backing violin certainly adds to the feeling.

"Velocidad" ("Speed") is a heavy song. Noisy as well. It is their weakest track so far (both albums considered). The lamented vocals are almost unbearable. This might be considered as a metal song. Like "The Arrival Of The Gods" ("La Llegada De Los Dioses") during its first half. Because the second part is just grandiose. Great backing violins and a superb guitar solo (finally).

This album is not as good as their debut one (but it was an impossible duty). Proggier at times, heavier at others (while "Cuentos de Ayer Y de Hoy" was hard-rock oriented), it is more difficult to approach.

Another good song will close the album. "El Expresso" is the most elaborated song of the album. Not as crazy as otehr pieces of their repertoire, the violin will temper the heavy rhythms that are the essence of Ñu. Great keys and fluting from Molina (this guy is really incredible, but will also be responsible of many problems within the band).

The ego of their leader will again lead to the split of the group for the next release. The last straw was his rejection of the album cover. He really believes he is a "diva" and that he could impose almost anything. His fellow band mates will be tired of this. All of them will quit.

This is "only" a good album. Three stars.