RC2

The precursor of the Venezuelan band RC2, called Radio Clip, released four LPs between 1988 and 1994. Afterward, the band disbanded, but a year later they decided to give it another try, this time with their own material and a slightly different name. The French label Musea saw potential in the band and a record deal followed.

RC2 creates heavy symphonic music with influences from bands like Dream Theater, Marillion and Rush. The five gentlemen are quite talented, but they lack the technical and compositional skills of their inspirations. However, they compensate for this with an enormous amount of enthusiasm. There is a lot of passion and fire in this debut album, but fortunately, the band never goes overboard.

The main role on the album is played by the high, Spanish-language vocals of Felix Duque. They are often intense and somewhat trivial. Although Duque is not a top-notch singer, his exuberant vocalizations in songs like Sombras,Gira la Tierra and Se Pierde el Sol still come across well. Guitarist Damian Meijcano is also very enthusiastic. He provides the music with his often distorted sound, delivering sharp riffs and captivating solos. Occasionally, he introduces a clean sound as a contrast. He also shines in the purely acoustic track RM and the Brian May-like Voz De Tempestad.

Despite all band members contributing to the compositions, it seems that most ideas originated from the mind of keyboardist Rafael Paz. He is a typical piano-playing keyboardist and often takes the forefront because of it. His style is reminiscent of Alphonso Vidalis (Cast), but slightly less refined. It is enjoyable to listen to his broken chords, lush string arrangements and swirling Moog lines. The highlight is the first part of the 14:17-minute-long Fria, which is actually two separate songs. Not only is the keyboard work delightful, but the juicy bass and furious drumming are also highly infectious, especially the rhythmic patterns on the ride cymbal. This is Market Square Heroes with turbo. The echoing guitar solo is also not to be missed.

At the same time, this is where the downside of this album lies. RC2 doesn't really break free from their Marillion influences. So there's nothing particularly new under the sun.

A lunar eclipse, as depicted on the album cover, provides a breathtaking spectacle. I wouldn't call this album breathtaking, but hey, a good album is still worth something.

Finally, I wrote this review back in the day for IO-pages, with a few adjustments and additions made here and there. In the context of the South American special, I see a good reason for republishing it. After all, my collection is not exactly filled with CDs from Venezuela.

Orginally posted on www.progenrock.com