CICLOTIMIA

AMAGRAMA are a relatively young band from Argentina and this is their debut called "Ciclotimia". Their sound reminds me of fellow Argentinians NEXUS and the instrumental excursions of SPOCK'S BEARD. Yes the keyboards can dominate and there is a nice variety of them.The NEXUS comparison maybe isn't so surprising since they have opened for them before. A lot of these tracks blend into one another. Love the cover art as well.

"Ciclotimia" opens with keyboards as it builds.Synths galore in this one at times. Organ after 1 1/2 minutes. A nice bass / drum section a minute later but it's brief. I like when the guitar leads the way. Strummed guitar and synths after 5 1/2 minutes as it settles back. A killer instrumental. "Vigilia" is a short instrumental that is quite mellow with piano and synths leading the way. "El Vacio I" opens with synths then these heavy drums come in as the phone rings (no idea). It kicks back in with power.This is great ! "Tu Eternidad" opens with piano as reserved vocals join in.Guitar 1 1/2 minutes in.The tempo shifts quite often here and it's quite intense at times. "El Vacio II" is uptempo with the guitar out front.This is amazing ! "Todo Io Que Pueda Ser" is led by synths early as the vocals join in. It settles right down after 2 minutes then kicks back in with vocals.

"Fabulas De Un Titere" is another impressive instrumental.The bass and drums sound great 4 1/2 minutes in then the guitar comes in soloing while the organ fires off some good runs. So good. "Desierto Humedo" is almost ballad-like with reserved vocals. Not really a fan but then it kicks in heavily after 4 minutes.Yes ! "La Luz Y El Cristal" opens with atmosphere as it sort of hums and pulsates slowly. It then kicks in before a minute followed by vocals. Check out the various keyboards on this one. I like the guitar, bass and drums around 2 1/2 minutes. Nice. "Dislalia" is the closing instrumental. Drums and bass lead early with some heaviness until around a minute when the guitar and keyboards take over. Another killer instrumental.The bonus track is a CRUSIS cover which is a nice touch.

Easily 4 stars and a must for Symphonic fans.