NOCHE ABIERTA

3.5 stars. One of the more known Flamenco Prog albums out there from Spain taking their cue from TRIANA and delivering that warm symphonic sound beautifully on their second release. Between '78 and '81 they released three studio albums and a live one before that comeback album in 2010. Vocals are in Spanish and are quite good and while I have a number of favourite albums from Spain mainly in the psychedelic area I have never been able to enjoy flamenco or classical guitar, heck even straight up acoustic guitar isn't my thing.

After their debut they were signed by a major label and if nothing else this album sounds more professional. A five piece with plenty of synths in play and two guitarists. Hey the drummer is the singer and that always amazes me. There's a couple of tracks that are outstanding including the opener "Sone Contigo". Lots of piano and synths with guitars and vocals dominating as well. Just a great sounding piece.

"Extrana Seduccion" has this very spacey intro before it kicks in around a minute with vocals in tow. Synths and guitars lead as vocals come and go. Oh that electric piano after 3 minutes with bass might be the highlight of the whole album for me. Is the electric piano anywhere else? If I had to pick a third track it would have to be that 8 minute closer which is surprisingly chilled.

I just can't pull the trigger on that fourth star. Of the 70 plus ratings we get the same amount of 3 star ratings as 5 star ratings. I just can't go the popular route despite enjoying their "sound".