MUNDOS BIZARROS

This Peruvian formation was founded in the late Nineties, in 2005 Flor De Loto released their eponymous debut album, two years later followed by Madre Tierra and in 2009 the band released their third studio album entitled Mundos Bizarros. I have listened to all their three albums and in my opinion this is their best and most mature effort. What a captivating and often exiting progressive blend of prog and ethnic music from Peru.

The 13 tracks (total running time more than 1 hour) contain a lot of dynamics, due to the frequent shifting moods, accelerations and breaks: from dreamy and hypnotizing with soaring flute (like the ethnic quena) and twanging acoustic guitars to powerful and heavy rock with fiery guitar run, swirling flute traverse and a propulsive rhythm- section, This is topped by excellent Spanish vocals, both male as female. The one moment the music evokes the Chilean Los Jaivas or Dutch prog folk band Flairck. The other moment it reminds me of Jethro Tull, Biglietto Per L'Inferno or Rush (the final part of Volver A Nacer sounds very close to 2112).

In my opinion this third Flor De Loto album is a strong example of adventurous and interesting progrock music. I don't hear keyboards, neither these are mentioned on the album. But the guitar play is very good in the strong rock tradition, the interplay with the other instruments (lots of ethnic sounds) is great and the compositions are very tasteful arranged. Especially the epic title track in which we can enjoy Flor De Loto in its full splendour, what a thrilling atmosphere, what a great dynamics. And I love the duo vocals, a big hand for this wonderful Peruvian formation!

Meanwhile Flor De Loto have produced another four studio albums and one live record, all well received album looking at the ratings. Their latest entitled Arbol De La Vida is from 2016, so hopefully Flor De Loto is working on a new album ' My rating: 3,5 star.