HIJOS DEL AGOBIO

If my Spanish is correct, the English translation of the album title is "children of the oppression." For me, this is a solid record with some excellent moments. The vocals tend to be lazy but boisterous- not bad, but not really what I like. However, the various displays of guitar- both acoustic and electric- when paired with a more experimental keyboardist is the outstanding aspect of this album. Fans of Steve Hackett and Camel will likely enjoy this casual, Spanish-flavored light symphonic rock.

"Hijos del Agobio" Relaxed keyboards and a thick vocal open the record, while the bass offers occasional arpeggios. The electric guitar interruptions are very similar to those of early Steve Hackett.

"Rumor" While more buoyant and with a danceable Hispanic flair, the second piece still retains the comfortably loose symphonic texture of the first song. The guitar playing is more impassioned and heavier, with some wildly creative leads.

"Sentimiento de Amor" Pounding percussion gives way to an easygoing piece with slowly swirling synthesizer and nylon-stringed guitar.

"Recuerdos de Triana" This is a more experimental track, with strange keyboard tones and a bland drum solo- not exactly something I care for.

"¡Ya esta bien!" A quick drum fill brings in a heavy song consisting of noisy guitars and sleek synthesizer. I don't really enjoying the overbearing, rolling vocals, but that's just me. More Eloy-like swirling synthesizer serves as a basis for an electric piano solo. "Necesito" The sixth song starts with powerful guitars. With large vocals and simplistic keyboard runs, Triana sounds like a thick, muddier version of Camel.

"Sr. Troncoso" After the loudness of the previous song, it's nice to have a peaceful acoustic tune to balance out the album. It steadily picks up tempo with handclapping and distant electric guitar.

"Del Crepusculo Lento Nacera el Rocio" Lovely acoustic guitar is juxtaposed with more discordant synthesizer. The electric guitar is layered and ghostly- one of the most wonderful moments of the album. What soon follows are disharmonious strata of keyboards and thudding percussion.