CRISALIDA

The music of this Argentinean debut is a blend of folk, psychedelic, and symphonic music with a few hints of Yes and Genesis (I would not go so far as to compare this group to the English giants of progressive rock). At times, the vocals are very similar to certain 1960s rock acts, with smooth harmonies, while at other times, the singing is belted and sounds similar to that of Eloy. Crisalida is a very good album, but one that rarely excites me.

"La Casa de la Mente" Light synthesizers build a fine introduction. Following this, frenetic guitar bursts through with a Latin rhythm backing it up. This style of playing isn't what I like to listen to at all- so many notes in such a short period of time, and the guitar even sounds slightly out of tune in places. It gives way to a sudden acoustic guitar and piano with calm vocals. The synthesizer returns over a pleasing rhythm, and serves as the highlight of the song.

"Prolijas Virtudes del Olivido" Steady snare drum and a dual guitar lead ushers in more synthesizer over piano and acoustic guitar. I quite like the keyboard work and the delightful vocal harmonies.

"Suenos Blancos Ideas Negras" Swampy guitars, airy synthesizer, and deep bass create a slow psychedelic piece. Midway through it rocks out with heavy guitar and a solid bass groove. This piece especially reminds me of Eloy. The finale charges on with some excellent guitar work.

"Sabois de Vida" Spacey, almost underwater sounds open the track, and soon it launches into more semi-psychedelic rock. The bassist is the one to watch on this song. The piece becomes halcyon abruptly, with acoustic guitar, piano, and fair vocals.

"Eterna Evidencia" This is a wild synthesizer ride that I want to get off of as quickly as possible. The tone and choice of notes just do not fit with the background music. It is painful to hear.

"Tiempo de Ideas" After some experimental sounds, this song has vocals over organ, and then launches into a so-so acoustic rock song. The electric guitar and synthesizer tend to work well together during the conclusion.

"Hay Un Mundo Cerrado Dentro Tuyo" This is a light acoustic guitar and synthesizer piece. The slightly whiny vocals make this sound similar to a David Bowie song.

"Hay Un Mundo Luminoso" Despite it's length, the final track feels close to mainstream classic rock. An extended guitar solo, the tone of which I do not like due to its graininess, contributes to that time. It does feature a soft acoustic passage in the second half. The ending is delightful, with some nice organ, synthesizer, and vocals.