SOBRE EL ABISMO

Coming from the capital of Venezuela, Caracas, Ficcion were formed in late-70's by two members of the Jazz-Rock act Aditus,keyboardist José Ignacio Lares and drummer Edgar de Sola.Along with bassist José Martínez,the band tested several guitarists, but finally decided to go on as a trio.With a great number of live appearances,the band was active for several years without successing a record deal.Because of this the band fell into hiatus after the mid- 80's,however the interest of Musea Records on their early recordings brought Ficcion back on surface,this time featuring only Lares from the original line-up.With seven pieces recorded between 1979 and 1986 and three new tracks from 2000,Ficcion finally debuted with ''Sobre El Abismo'' in 2000.

Their early sound was somewhat in a Symphonic-Fusion style with rather commercial vocals but also some great musicianship to be discovered and many listeners will find these recordings as falling into a typical keyboard/synth-driven symphonic style.However, a more careful listen will reveal a bassist playing in a pure jazzy style and a drummer not only offering a powerful performance but often imitating this jazzy style.The interesting core of this rhythm section is helping keyboardist Jose Lares deliver a versatile style of playing,from flashy grandiose synthesizer solos to symphonic organ sounds to almost jazzy/fusion-esque electric piano passages.The overall style sounds very personal and only the sometimes dull vocals can be regarded as a negative point.The three tracks of the new Ficcion era continue in the same style with little changes: Heavy use of floating synthesizers,even more dominant organ sounds battling with a solid rhythm section.Only the track ''Noche en La Gran Ciudad'' has a strong commercial vocal vibe,but even this is supported by some nice instrumental performances and has a certain charm.

Another band from the past just one click away from being totally forgotten.With ''Sobre el abismo'' any prog fan will have the chance to listen to some great mix of Symphonic Rock and Fusion and the album comes warmly recommended to the prog community,especially to those loving listening to endless keyboard sounds.