TRIANA (EL PATIO)

El Patio is, as Latin-infused symphonic progressive rock goes, par for the course I'd say. It has the expected elements (a variety of keyboards, flamenco guitar, percussion, even exotic birds) and the compositions are respectable. The lead vocalist possesses a sense of urgency and sounds like a Spanish version of Sting from The Police. There just isn't much here that impresses me, nor is there anything that turns me off. This is, simply put, a good album.

"Abre la Puerta" The record opens with simple chord progression with acoustic guitar flashing over it. The verse picks up the pace with more basic chord progressions, but adds a feisty piano and garish synthesizer leads. The final three minutes begin quietly with choral Mellotron and weeping electric guitar before a bit of flamenco guitar and percussion take over completely, leading into the finale guitar solo.

"Sé de un Lugar" Heavy chords and an almost shouted vocal quickly taper off for light acoustic guitar and softer singing. Overall, this is initially a pleasant moderate rock song in a Spanish style, but nothing to write home about. The instrumental middle section, with its buzzing guitars and Spanish psychedelic atmosphere, is superior and creates a haunting mood.

"Todo es de Color" Exotic birds chirp as a guitarist strums and the singer croons.

"Luminosa Mañana" Organ and acoustic guitar begin this more ominous track. The vocalist and sleek synthesizer lead weave around each other.

"Dialogo" In terms of tone, this song could have fit on Yes' Tormato. That said, it is one of the best songs on the album.

"En el Lago" Melancholic organ begin this one, which morphs into an agreeable symphonic progressive rock song, very engaging and with several excellent guitar and keyboard moments. The ending with the delayed guitar trickling down like rain is fantastic.

"Recuerdos de una Noche" With a raging rhythm in 5/4, this song features gritty lead guitar, and soaring vocals.