IMPERIO DE PALETOS

This is the second live album from this Spanish band. Their music is now fully hard-rock oriented. But the link with Tull is still noticeable. This is of course based on the fantastic flute play by its incontestable leader : Carlos Molina.

Each song of this album features great fluting. The band confirms that it gets back to its harder side; it was again in their last studio album : "Dos Años De Destierro" which followed their most folk-oriented one : "El Mensaje Del Mago". Neither were good albums, unfortunately.

In their first live album, "Ñu" played several unreleased tracks. On this album, this tendancy has been repeated. Only a couple of them will be part of the published work. Of which the magical "El Flautista" (the flute player, I bet you!). since Molina did release a solo effort before this live record, I thought that these numbers were coming out of this one, but nothing from this work either... Quite strange.

Several songs will be very good ones, of which "Carnaval Sangriento" (bloody carnival) : one of the highlights. Very powerful intro featuring heavy keys and guitar combined with...flute of course. The guitar work here is really great. But this is a constant during this live set. Just like "Robin Hood". This song has definitely improved when you compare it with its studio counterpart from "Dos Años...". There will be even a melancholic one with nice text and, of course, the great fluting present on each song. So, if you like this instrument this album is for you.

I always have thought that a bit more flute in Tull albums would have been nice, so I am pleased with this one. Not that it holds great compositions (only several good ones), but they are very pleasantly rendered. Great rhythm (although the frenzy of their fantastic debut album is a bit gone). Most of it is just good hard-rock music with a vague prog touch (but only in the use of the flute).

Bearing this in mind, it is almost normal that I consider "El Flautista" as another highlight (but again this will be a short version) just like the very good "Trovador De Ciudad".

On the contrary "Qué Nadie..." is one of the very few weak songs : heavy, unpleasant, insipid. But since it is followed with "A Golpe De Látigo" it is OK. Well, actually only a very short part of this song is played which is a crime, really. It is one of their very good songs and since so few from their published repertoire are featured, I would have expected to get the full format.

The closing "Una Copa Por Un Viejo Amigo" holds the best guitar solo from this live set. Really impressive (even if the first half of the song is dull).

This album is for those of you who like the hardest part of Tull. It is not an incredible live album. Just a good one. Five out of ten ? Yes, probably. I will upgrade it to three stars. Do try "Ñu".