PÉ DE VENTO

"A Presenca das Formigas" is a Portuguese band from the northern city of Viseu. They are playing a very interesting and sympathetic form of modern folk music. Their debut came out 2011: "Ciclorama" and now 2014 the follow up "Pé de Vento" has been released. The cover shows a lovely view of a landscape which a young man is watching while walking through the lands. The group consists of André Cardoso who plays guitars, Miguel Cardoso who plays bass, Manuel Maio who plays violin, mandolin and sings, Sara Vidal who sings, Nuno Silva who plays accordion and Rui Lúcio who drums and plays percussion. They have also a big group of guests on the record.

The music of "A Presenca das Formigas" is so fresh and decorative. There are no ugliness, just pure and genuine music which links the past and the present beautifully. It's wonderful to hear something that is not in English and not has to be rock music. Though is the music absolutely progressive. It's lovely to hear the Portuguese guitar and the accordion. The record holds a high standard and it's even. You can play it at one occation and you'll not get tired of listen. Some of my favourites are "Vai tão Sozinho"(9/10), "Dá-me o Amanhã"(8/10), "O Pulo do Lobo"(8/10) and "Senhora do Almortão"(8/10). These tracks are those who best combines a nice melody with great instrumentation and genuineness. I also like all the other tracks more or less and I definitely think this is a record that is worth checking out, if you are interested in exciting music with lines back and big attention. I hope more people will find this album!

I have just heard two albums in Portuguese before and I have liked what I have heard. It's a lovely language and this is a progressive record I recommend. Four stars!

Pé de Vento is the second installment by folk band A PRESENÇA DAS FORMIGAS. This LP is a showcase of Portuguese folk and pop elements, in which rock is entirely absent. Songs are short, built on simple melodies and adorned with flourish arrangements. Here and there are found subtle influences from Brasilian music. There are no particularly exciting moments, it is all about smoothness and precision of performance. Vai Tão Sozinho is the only song I would highlight, for its unique beauty.

The overall sound of the LP is highly reminiscent of JÚLIO PERIERA's 1990s work, with slow tempos and perfectionist execution. LPs like O meu Bandolin or Lau Eskutara immediately come to mind. It is a peculiar take on folk music, with excitement and sentiment largely hollowed out, focusing almost entirely on form.

A remarkable aspect of A PRESENÇA DAS FORMIGAS's music is the lack of innovation vis-à-vis contemporary Portuguese folk peers. In what concerns folk itself, this is primarily a backwards looking band, lacking the thrill of modern bands like VELHA GAITEIRA or SONS DA SUÉVIA. Regarding the progressive side, it is also nowhere near trailing ground- breaking paths, as did DIABO NA CRUZ, and of course, the modern folk rock reference in Portugal: DAZKARIEH.

Neither rock, nor progressive, it is not really possible to rate this LP high at ProgArchives. However, the excellent musicianship and the beauty of some of the melodies make it certainly worth of a listen.