FLOR DE LOTO

FLOR DE LOTO are an all-instrumental band from Peru, in fact i'd say they are without a doubt one of the best bands from that country. Listed as Folk, I guess because there is plenty of flute, but this doesn't sound like Folk to me. Lots of aggressive guitar, chunky bass lines and passionate drumming to go along with the flute excursions. No keyboards here but there is some guest synths on one track. This album simply sounds really, really good.

"La Llegada" builds rather slowly until a full sound arrives after 2 minutes with drums, guitar and flute standing out. A change 3 1/2 minutes in as the bass comes in.The flute starts to lead then the guitar as they continue to trade off. "Libelula" opens with drums as the guitar makes some noise. The guitar sounds amazing. Bass joins in.It settles 2 minutes in with flute. What a great sound to this one. Guitar and drums are prominant after 5 minutes. "Negatives De Una Memoria Inexistente" kicks in around 30 seconds with flute and a powerful sound. Love the guitar as the bass throbs. It settles before 2 1/2 minutes as the guitar solos beautifully. It settles with flute after 4 minutes. "Ayshuaska" features some guest mandolin but the flute and bass stand out early.

"El Errante" opens with some flute and such a lush sound.The guitar after 2 minutes starts to solo. Acoustic guitar before 5 minutes. It turns darker 6 1/2 minutes in before kicking back in a minute later. "El Nino Y Puerco" opens with bass, guitar and drums. Flute before a minute.The guitar starts to solo when the flute stops. Love the bass. Flute is back before 3 1/2 minutes but not for long as the guitar returns and proceeds to rip it up. "Y" is a short piece with guitar feedback and distortion throughout. "Ritual" opens with gentle guitar and atmosphere. It changes before 3 1/2 minutes as flute and a full sound take over. It kicks in a minute later as the guitar lights it up. "Flor De Loto" features flute, percussion and laid back guitar throughout. "Suculentas Frutas" gets interesting when the guitar catches fire 2 minutes in. It settles with bass and drums after 3 minutes. A drum solo after 4 minutes. I'm not big on drum solos but this is fantastic. Flute and that earlier sound after 5 1/2 minutes. A fuller sound a minute later.

I have to mention that one of my prog friends came in the store when this was playing and he commented on how great it sounded. He asked for the bands name and album title. A solid 4 star album.