DEPOIS DO FIM

For some reason, Bacamarte reminds me of the 70s Argentinian group Mia, only Bacamarte was more successful at incorporating classic 70s prog influences into their ethnic tinged style.

Like Mia, they do have female lead vocals and a tendency to go acoustic on the slightest provocation, but at their best Bacamarte competes with the elite of the genre. This occurs on the opening cut "UFO", which is a breathtakingly paced romp, but especially on the masterpiece "Ultimo Enterdecer", the longest cut here. Its reprisal of a majestic theme with interspersed miniature songs really pulls out all the stops. Jane Duboc's voice and Mario Neto's guitars create a singularly compelling piece. We even get treated to some flamenco that reminds me of earlier Argentine group Espiritu as well as Al Dimeola.

Unfortunately the album contains a fair share of lesser material, like the Tull-influenced "Smog Alado" and the cheesy sounding closer "Mirante Das Estrelas". But the jazzy verve of the group augments even these cuts. Not the masterpiece that it's cracked up to be, Bacamarte's first is a significant effort at a time when prog was not even respected enough to be considered retro.