SUBURBANO

An important group of the Spanish scene, featuring musicians with different musical backgrounds, ranging from Ethnic Music to Jazz to Classical Music.Among them the more experienced ones seemed to be guitarist Luis Mendo and drummer/guitarist Bernardo Fuster, who had already released an album under the name Pedro Faura in 1976.Suburbano were formed in May 1979 in Madrid and featured also Rafael Puerta on mandolin/violin, Michael Lacomba on flutes/bass and Lorenzo Solano on flutes/sax.Two months later their eponymous debut saw the light on the Guimbarda label.

For the most of its part ''Suburbano'' is a Folk Rock-oriented album with an intense Latin-flavor, characterized basically by the acoustic guitars of Mendo and the exchange between string and wind instruments.The tracks are gentle and soft with some very good arrangements and a sound ranging from archaic, almost Medieval tunes to Latin-spiced acoustic themes.The highlight of the album are the excellent changes between the non-rock instruments.Subtle and delicate flute passages, impressive violin drives, lost-in-time mandolin overtones and light sax parts accompany the non-stop acoustic textures of Mendo's guitar in dreamy and smooth soundscapes from another age.A few tracks though contain some nice electric parts with a more supporting role.Vocals are used sporadically and these are also very good: warm, sensitive but still very expressive.This is one of the albums constanly producing nostalgic and optimistic feelings all the way.

Great Folk Rock release, coming from the consistent wave of 70's Spanish bands.Acoustic arrangements that are mostly mellow but quite adventurous.Recommended, especially if you are deep into this underrated European Folk Rock scene.