THE EVOLUTION ETHNIC: SLEBAR SLEBOR

This group belongs to Indonesia, which is considered an islamic country. This aspect, along with the title of the album, may induce you to think that this work is based on ethnical middle east music, maybe with contribution(s) of some local cultural expressions. I can assure that this work won't appeal only for those who like middle east music. That's because there is a fine blend of prog fusion, symphonic prog, folk-prog (indonesian one, but also peruan music and what appears to me as themes from african music), and a brief passage similar to Magma. With a quick look at wikipedia, I found that Indonesia is known for there cultural and social diversity. This album can be considered as a result of this wide range of influences and histories. Therefore, because of its musical variety, I think its better to make the comments track by track. 1. Rapid notes and dynamic interplay of musicians is undertaken since the beginning, and is present, more or less, on all the album. In this track, that characteristic flute used to enchant snakes is performed in a jocular way. An arabic chant makes a very short participation. 2. Such as on the first track, here the listener has access to great musicianship on a fusion prog way, with bits of heavy prog. Beginning with a vocalization in the form of a lament, followed by of an inventive rythmic section which reminds brazilian samba. In this case it's probably the result of the influence of some african musical expression. On the track's second half they get more tribal, concomitant with a festive vibe. Sometimes a free-jazz piano, very touching, brings a more serene mood. 3. This one, called Perueren, has a much more calm introduction then its predecessors. The cello and the sax, with long notes and along with the bass and synths, make it more smooth. They soon get the company, not for long, of some arabic vocals. Its when the bamboo flute starts its appearence. Half the way of this track, there is an unquestionable hispanic flavour on instrumentation, mixtured with peruan motifs, led by violonist and singer(s). It's on the end of this music, that has more than 10min, that the bamboo flute turns very peruvian, and makes partnership with an Andes-like chant. 4. The introduction is smooth. But in few minutes the base of the composition becomes a jazz-rock looping theme, with sax, atabaques drums and guitar. Very tribal too. This repetition doesn't get boring because they improve well some stops and good solos. The title of this track is repeated many times with strong vocals along the track, accompanyied by a chorus. The only part of this track I didn't like are some parts of the vocals, thaty get a bit annoying. The second half is fantastic, when they present some crazy stuff, reminding me french Magma with a tribal mood. 5. A folk-prog march opens Dansa Gayo, with a gentle singing and flute. A sensual guitar makes short interventions. When the cello appears, its very short but really touching. The whole composition, including the chorus, is very festive. Seems like a celebration too. 6. Starts with what lookes like a childish or a lullaby song. Which turns into a funky prog. Although they manage to make this transition in a fluid and creative way, IMO this is the less inspired execution of the album. The score of the entire album is 8,5.