PENTADELIA

Albatros is a Spanish band formed back in 2000. The band had little security in their lineup until around 2002 when they released their first demo. After that, the band developed an eclectic sound based upon the principles of hard rock and the vast styles of progressive rock. In 2008, the band finally released their debut full length record, Pentadelia. The band emerged onto the progressive rock scene with a rather eclectic offering; the album displays such varying influences as blues rock, hard rock, metal, and psychedelic and symphonic prog. The band audibly draws influence from the likes of Rush, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. The album is chock full of dense, killer music, with the diversity of the music truly being as free as the namesake of the band.

The album opens with two incredibly dense, killer tracks, brimming with a massive multitude of influences and feels ranging from psychedelic to heavy to jazzy to avant and much more. The vocals debuting in "Supernova" are mellow and melodic, adding a wonderful tone to the eclectic music presented in the track. Throughout the album this vocal style is heard, and is a defining factor in the band's sound. Although at times these vocals sound a bit strained, overall they present a wonderful dynamic to the diverse musical tastes presented all along the album.

The album's instrumental side is equally strong. Although the band is not full of virtuosos or music theory maniacs, they have a wonderful sense of what feels right when crafting a song. The music is not technically insane, and has a great sense of ease in it, as if the band is relaxing as they play the nice music they have crafted. Obviously this is not a bad thing, as this sense of purpose in creating delectably minimal and wonderfully progressive music has made this album a great heavy progressive rock album. The diverse aspects of the album are the most easily identifiable pro to this album, with the diversity growing as the album continues to spin, from track one to track eight.

Overall, this album may not be the most incredible piece of progressive rock to emerge from Europe in past few years, but it is truly an exceptional release from this up-and-coming Spanish act. The alarming amount of maturity and professionalism put into the release is comforting, as many debuts tend to lack in those very fields; debuts tend to suffer from production flaws, weak songwriting, and other newbie traits, while this album floats above the drabble like an albatross above the sea. I'll be on the lookout for new stuff by this band, and all of you should go and get this album ? and with good reason; it's free! 3+ stars.

Share this ALBATROS review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Andy Webb
• Report this review (#470442)
• Buy ALBATROS music online with PA partners
• Show all ALBATROS MP3/Stream
• Go to ALBATROS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Pentadelia page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for ALBATROS related discussions