EL CONGRESO

"el congreso" is the first Album of congreso, in 1971, first of all, i must clarify this: this album is not a prog one (except for just one theme), its pure folk rock, it has mainly short themes, it has quenas (Andean flutes), charangos (Andean little string instrument, like a mandolin) and other folkloric instruments, in addition to occasional symphonic instruments like violins and cellos, I think the rock sound is pretty similar to the rock of the beatles in some parts.

the best themes here are: "rompe tu espada, vive la vida" (break your sword, live the life), it has a beautifull melody and the lyrics are dedicated to peace, "maestranzas de la noche", bassed in Pablo Neruda`s poetry, the instrumental "el errante" that achieves a very good fussion and harmony between folk and rock sounds, the version of "el condor pasa" it's a good cover, this time with lyrics, that are about peace and unity, the closing theme A.A.R is the first prog theme of all history of the band, its very interesting but also al little monotonous, specially on the the cajón solo (cajón: percussion instrument of Peruvian origin) of the minute 45:45, further the starting electric guitar riff (34:00) is very ugly.

I think that this album is rather for those who lived at that time and remember it with nostalgia, also for the meaning of his lyrics, which were consistent with the social and cultural context of that age (hippie years) it also has an historical value for being the first album by congreso and if you like this band its very possible that you want to know how it all started

"el congreso" isnt a grat allbum, and although it has some good songs, is the only one of the band I don't like, in fact, I do not think it's a good album to start listening to this band, if you have not heard this band, this album could demotivate you, but Congreso gave a long step between their first and second album in quality of composition, so I invite you to follow this band that has fused the rhythms, instruments, ideas and Latin American feelings with the sound of rock, progressive rock and jazz, achieving a beautiful and important legacy for Chile and Latin America.

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