EL PROFETA

Twenty years ago Bijou was a very promising formation, in 2005 they released their praised debut CD entitled El Profeta, but then it remained silent, unfortunately Bijou had turned into another one-shot-band.

The 7 tracks on El Profeta sound very melodic and harmonic, rooted in the symphonic rock tradition but with a modern sound and lots of dynamics. The tasteful keyboards range from sparkling piano to bombastic orchestrations. The duo guitar work (always a bonus for me, I love Wishbone Ash and Thin Lizzy for that) alternates between harder-edged riffs and twanging guitars. This is topped by an outstanding rhythm-section and lots of exiciting soli on guitar and keyboards. For a debut album El Profeta sounds mature, and the band succeeds to keep an own face. The best example is the epic titletrack (three pieces and around 25 minutes): flowing shifting moods, and a strong build-up, halfway culminating in a very compelling part, the keyboards evoke the Arabian inspired flamenco rhythm Zambra Mora, a captivating touch of Rock Andaluz by Bijou! The guitar riff in this part has obvious hints of the legendary one that Trevor Rabin delivers in Yes their classic Owner Of A Lonely Heart, remarkable. But I don't mind, because this is very pleasant Spanish prog, what a pity that Bijou call it a day after such a promising debut album.

My rating: 3,5 star.

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