TIME TRAVELLERS

On the discussed "Time Travellers" from 1992, the Brazilian band O Terço returns to its original love: progressive rock. However, the band's sound is molded in a rather modern fashion for that time, a style that is actually called neo-prog. Band leader and singer/guitarist Sergio Hinds felt obligated to this turnaround for the O Terço enthusiasts, as he had burdened them two years earlier with a dramatically bad album full of misplaced glam rock and metal. He built a new band around himself, bringing back veteran Franklin Paollilo for the drums and recruiting bassist Andrei Ivanovic for the low tones. As a cherry on top, he managed to get the amazing keyboardist Luis De Boni into the band, a keyboard player whose skills are reminiscent of Clive Nolan at that time. De Boni also handled the mix and engineering, wrote the lyrics, and provided background vocals?a versatile individual indeed. With this new lineup, a group of musicians emerged who effortlessly connect with each other and complement each other.

Especially the combinations of guitar and keyboards are finger-licking good. The album lasts almost an hour, so brace yourself; Hinds and De Boni make their presence felt almost continuously. The urgency to create this music has at least not led to overcrowded compositions.

The album starts with the instrumental keyboard intro Space, which is exactly what the title suggests. The tingles and blips are joined by triumphant brass sounds, introducing The Last Journey. With this dynamic track, the group compositions begin, and while Paollilo's energetic drumming boosts the listener's adrenaline, the spatially sounding keyboards and the dragging guitar solo further take you on this journey through time.

In the diverse title track, O Terço demonstrates its versatility by effortlessly combining catchy passages with subdued sections that make room for acoustic guitar or Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young-like harmonies. A jazzy synth solo also makes an appearance, and then Hinds suddenly taps on his instrument. O Terço manages to make everything happen within their own idiom, where the driven voice of Hinds with his flavorful accent is a prominent presence (think of Aluisio Maggini of Clepsydra).

With the instrumental Crucis, the band brings so much musical bliss that you'll want to listen to this track countless times. The beginning is pleasantly uptempo towards Timelock and then dives through some sharp mood changes into a solemn middle section with delightful play on the Moog and a heavenly guitar solo. A return to the beginning completes the circle.

What else does the album have to offer? Plenty, I can tell you. Lost In Time Affaire is dominated by an infectious theme reminiscent of Marillion's Grendel, and in The Rhythm Of The Universe, we hear a track that wouldn't have been out of place on an album by the Belgian band Now. However, O Terço is at its strongest when they increase the originality. Marear is again a splintering instrumental track, and after the beautiful The Guardians, where a rolling rhythm sets the mood, the fantastic closer Suite follows. This track had already appeared on a previous album by the band but has now been significantly reworked, including added vocal blocks. What makes the song consistently grand are the monumental guitar parts. Unprecedented class.

"Time Travellers" is a fantastic album for neo-prog enthusiasts. The passion and good intentions radiate from the disc, and because O Terço exercises restraint, the album remains captivating. It is another beautiful addition to the list of progressive music from South America.

Orginally posted on www.progenrock.com