CONQUISTA

Second studio album by Alux Nahual and their peak in my opinion. The thing that makes it slightly superior to their debut is not so much the compsitions but the level of maturity achieved in terms of writing and performing, while maintaining their signature sound and style. The only significant change here is the inclusion of Oscar Conde on saxes and flute, bringing both jazz and folk into the mix.

The six pieces that comprise the album are a showcase for the entire band, with every instrument in it's place (for a detailed description of each indivual track refer to RaúlGuate's earlier review). I will just say that "Passacaglia" and "El Mensaje del Mago" are gems and the stunning final track "Retorno de la Alegría" is probably the best song Alux ever did.

If I had to describe the album in it's entirety in just a few words, I would say it's a flawed masterpiece. I won't go as far as calling it "perfect", but nevertheless, this is where Alux Nahual established their sound as a true fusion of rock, folk and jazz. The band will go on to simpler formulas over the following years, but this album is a testimony of the amazing creative power they possessed.