TWISTED STEMS

Guapo is a bit of a Zeuhl/post-rock hybrid, with occasional delves into more avant-garde territory. This tiny EP is primarily comprised of slow, post-rock music. It's very delicate, very beautiful, and extremely haunting. It's experimental in nature; in the scope; in the timbre. Frail piano balances this, with its touching chords and melodies. Bass is even used as a melodic instrument, and drums are extremely conservative, but in perfect quantity for the vision. Where does the experimentalism derive from, then? Added effects and sounds; percussive and electronic, often playing parallel to a simply stunningly gorgeous, slow climb. It may seem as though this would make a very jagged album, but I assure you the beauty is not lost in the subtle strange noises, but rather supported. I can't shake off a bit of an ethnic vibe here, alongside the staggeringly colourful imagery, and the graceful piano. The second section, The Selantrope, is significantly more sinister, and is almost a dissonant version of the previous song (though with many obvious differences). I think this album will appeal both to fans of experimental and avant-garde textures, as well as those more occupied with the symphonic and melodic quarters of progressive rock. Consider this an extremely high three stars.