GENERACIÓN

After the quiet disbanding of Merlin, Alejandro De Michele was back together with old mate and musical partner Miguel Angel Erausquin, both ready for a second run of their duo, Pastoral. This had been a key outfit in the foundation of an acoustic folk-rock scene in Argentina since early Seventies, obtaining in the process an unconditionally loyal hardcore fanbase. For that reason, the reunion immediately raised high commercial expectations. But the artists had altogether different plans for their new creation: not their inicial fresh folk-rock, nor the dreamy psych-folk of the sophomore En El Hospicio, not even the exquisite prog-folk evolution that came later, from Humanos till De Michele - Erausquin. Pastoral retained the lessons learned with Merlin in the recording studio, and went for a clear modern sound this time, with a new space for synths, and a songwriting (always the basic element in their music) taking advantage of those new resources.

But fate had other plans: Alejandro was killed in a car accident, and the album finally remained as a sad memory in people's minds. But it doesn't really sound or feel that way. Generación rather presents a strong collection of songs, with terrific vocals, unique melodies, and marvellous musicianship with plenty of uncredited instrumental contributions from a full-fledged band: Gustavo Donés (bass), Daniel Colombres (drums), Fernando Múscolo (keyboards), and Mario Herrerías (piano). Just listen to the very start, with uplifting classically arpeggiated piano and delicious vocal melody in two-part harmony, and I bet you'll agree.

Of course, there's more: the fantastic vocal lines soaring on the wing of synths and bass in the (almost) title track Generando, the angular acoustic melody of Circular, so greatly asymmetric that flows fittingly with lyrics imagining a girl that turns to be Liberty herself. Equally asimmetrical is Cuidarán, with subtle staccato vocals, and down-to earth lyrics oriented to social irony. Sexto "C" is the radio-friendly spot, that won considerable airplay back then, with charming melody, flawless vocals, heartbroken witty lyrics, and irresistible hooks in the chorus.

A couple of lesser tracks, and a few dated sounds (some drums & synth naiveties) stop the rating at four. Yet, with some CD editions, we get a nice bonus track, Mensaje Mágico (a truly classic Single A-side not included in the original albums), throwing back to their early folkie days.