FRIPPADA ANDALUZA

"Frippada Andaluza" represents a giant step forward in Malabriega's career, following their 2017 debut, "Fiebre."

The classic influences of Andalusian rock (especially Triana) are maintained, but elements are incorporated that give the album great personality and variety. Tracks like "Tu Pelo" and "El Duelo" showcase the artist's approach to blending flamenco and rock in a more direct way, with beautiful, catchy melodies. The more progressive side of the album is magnificently represented in tracks like "La Levidad del Ser" (with an opening reminiscent of Triana's "Hijos del agobio") and "Reflejo vacío," with its 7-minute runtime, powerful guitars, and epic final crescendo.

I've left the eponymous track "Frippada Andaluza" for the end of this review, the band's magnum opus with post-rock influences, acoustic guitars (which may even recall '70s Genesis, but in the style of the Andalusian band), guitar delays, and exciting solos, moving through different atmospheres throughout its 10-minute runtime.

One of the year's great progressive albums, and one that will appeal to those who enjoy a personal and homogeneous blend of progressive rock, Andalusian music, and elements of post-rock with beautiful lyrics and melodies. Awesome Album.

Magnificent second album from the Seville band Malabriega. I don't know if this is truly Andalusian Rock, because it goes much further. As an example, the first track, "Frippada Andaluza," is reminiscent of the American band Maserati, with its crescendo of post-rock tones. Furthermore, the vocals are beautiful and serve the music (and not the other way around).

All the tracks are highly noteworthy, although "Reflejo vac'o," "El duelo," and "La levedad del ser" are particularly awesome. These magnificent, moving tracks display a certain progressive complexity in their developments and structures. A great, addictive album; one of the highlights of 2025 so far.