QUEMANDO OSCURIDAD

Argentine band Madame Claus creates a very pleasant form of modern symphonic prog, at times leaning somewhat close to pop-rock and melodic hard rock, yet retaining the flair of sophistication necessary to keep an essential attainment to prog rock. Their album "Quemando Oscuridad" is an attractive legacy of what this band is all about. The recurrent line of work is based on a solid melodic approach and a constraint use of complexity in teh arrangements. Also, the sense of ensemble is well-ordained, which is helped by the fact that each and every number is built on a precise melodic vibe. Lead vocalist Daniel Fernández has a very charismatic feel, and it's fair to say that this is a very important factor for the elaboration of the material's artsy pretensions. Some of the band's main influences come from its own homecountry - Serú Girán, Almendra and Spinetta-Jade -, but also from early 80s Alan Parsons, 78-79 era Genesis and late 70s Pink Floyd. The lyrics convey existencial and social issues in a way that feels very honest, which is helped by the dramatic nuances that the lead guitar and keyboard layers provide here and there. In fact, it is significant that the first track kicks off with newsradio reports and the last two tracks portray a sense of contemplative melancholy. The repertoire is quite even, although you can tell some distinct highlights. One of them is the energetic 'Caravana', which combines stylish blues-rock vibrations and controlled complexity in rhythm patterns during the interlude. 'Aunque Muera la Piedad' displays an aura of sheer melancholy, so common to find in Latin American symphonic prog. This beautiful song is arguably the most accomplished example of Madame Claus working intensively on the melodic side of things. 'Última Jugada' brings some weirdness to the fore, alternating Latin-fusion percussions, bandoneon sounds and slightly hard prog rock; this is a showcase for the instrumentalists' finesse, and so is the effective instrumental 'Obertura'. My personal top highlight of the album is 'Waco', which is where the band decides to explore somber ambiences without letting go of their melodic approach. This track particularly reminds me of Redd (another Argentine band from the 70s). "Quemando Oscuridad" is, first of all, a catalogue of honest beauty in the shape of a sequence of moderately complex songs. Not a masterpiece per se, but definitely a proof that there's still potential for novelty and originality among the usual lines of modern symphonic progressive rock. Madame Claus is a band to check out, indeed: their legacy is good to excellent.

[This review has been written a few days after the announcement of Madame Claus' breakup. I dedicate this review to all band members - thank you for the music!]