CAL

If you are interested in prog that sounds of Spain, this is definitely for you. These guys take directly from the classic Spanish tradition. So much so, that I imagine them having a flamenco dancer with them at all times. Now, it is not all traditional, they do rock it up, and even incorporate some jazz elements. But that rhythm is hardly ever missing. Only on the last number do they just go for straight "rock-style" prog.

CAL's musicianship is top notch, and the composition is very solid. They don't get too crazy, but there is some experimentation. Don't look for exceeding complexity either. The beauty of this is prog meeting Spanish traditional. It will also keep your foot tapping. The music is very engaging. I would call this a 3.5 star album, but I will be generous and round it up to four. It's not earth shattering, but it is extremely enjoyable. The fact that it is such a rarity will also add prestige to your collection.

H.T. Riekels

"Rock Andaluz"

This four-piece formation hailed from Andalusia (the cradle of flamenco), the sound on their eponymous debut album (1980) is firmly rooted in the Prog Andaluz tradition, especially Alameda comes to my mind. But also Cai, and of course Triana, the band that speerheaded the Rock Andaluz movement.

The seven songs are melodic and accessible with often swinging rhythms, jazzy-inspired guitar solos, a pleasant keyboard colouring (sparkling piano, fluent synthesizer runs, warm string-ensemble sound and Mellotron) and good interplay between guitar and keyboards. In some songs we can enjoy typical flamenco elements like castagnettes in Mujer Del Sur and palmas (handclapping) in Mi Sevilla (their hometown).

All songs clock at about 4 minutes except the long, alternating and pretty adventurous final composition Colgao (Part I and II, totally 10 minutes): it starts with a slow rhythm featuring sensitive electric guitar, strings and synthesizer runs, then howling guitar and emotional vocals, an experimental part with an atmospheric sound and in the end a pleasant dreamy climate.

A fine album that surely will please the Prog Andaluz aficionados.

My rating: 3,5 star.