AVENIDA LARCO

This Peruvian symphonic band started playing covers of great prog legends like Yes and Genesis in the mid 70's, but after some years of succesful concerts they decided to release their own music with lyrics in Spanish. They started including two or three of their songs in each concert then after a while only played their own stuff.

Avenida Larco, their first release is IMHO the best progressive album ever recorded in Perú, the music has evident influence of Yes and mostly Genesis, but they don't copy their idols, they create their own sound using this influences.

The song "Avenida Larco" became a hit single in Perú but as most hit singles I don't believe it's the best one, "Overtura" (Oberture) is a great opener, with a great guitar work, probably simpler for foreign listeners because it's an instrumental. "Pastas Pepas y otros Postres" (Cocaine, Pills and other Desserts) is another great song with amazing keyboards. Of course there's a special place for "Oda al Tulipan" (Ode to the Tulip), with strange lyrics but a very complete sound that includes horns.

A must have for any prog' fan, specially if you don't care for the lyrics in Spanish, I will rate it with 5 stars because it's the original source of the band and their best compositions.

Best song: Oda al Tulipan (Ode to the Tulip)/ Obertura (Overture)