EL RELOJ II [AKA: AL BORDE DEL ABISMO, OR SEGUNDO ALBUM]

One of the coolest albums of Argentine progressive rock! This quintet was one of the most pioneering groups in the country. Symphonic rock and British influences took a long time to establish themselves as a trend to follow in Argentina, achieving steady sales numbers around 1972-73 thanks to Pescado Rabioso and influenced bands. It didn't take long for the members of El Reloj to achieve a mature and legitimate sound, and their second album is more than true proof. Like any post-1972 South American band that is not British or Italian, the European influences are noticeable. In this case, there are flashes of Led Zeppelin, Atomic Rooster, and maybe even Egg! Anyway, this band created a truly original work. Hard rock songs with many symphonic segments, with the classic Argentine organ playing in the back and some devastating and protagonist guitars. I find it funny the fact that I find a similarity in the singer's voice with Sting's voice, mainly because the first recorded appearance of The Police takes place in 1978! Well, going back to the album, one can easily give a positive opinion of this album. The application of the feelings and characteristics of the human being is carried out in a constant line, keeping the joy high as long as possible.

"La Ciudad Desconocida" is for me the song that stands out above the others. Luis Alberto Valenti provides a more than creative introduction with the keyboards and thus makes way for the other instruments and then the vocalist. This song manages to create an unfathomable space, as if the sound covers the whole place (or if you are with headphones, your whole head). As the other songs are relatively short, the band's genuine expression can be seen more freely in these 10 minutes of concept.

It doesn't quite reach the quality of a 5-star or 4-star album, but it definitely deserves a concentrated listen!