EXSIMIO

Chilean ensemble Exsimio is one of the most energetic and charismatic South American bands around: their KC-meets-Primus influenced ballsy vibe and solid interplaying skills definitely make them deserve a high position in the prog map. Their pallet includes obvious traces of jazz-rock, metallic rock and funky, but I guess that the aforesaid bands are enough to provide an approximate idea in the neophyte's mind. Their eponymous debut album is an amazing catalogue of neurotic rock explosions and explosive textures, mostly based on the dual guitar and bass counterpoints, but also containing brilliant dynamics shared by the riffs and rhythm section and the disturbing guitar solos that emerge to the fore now and then. The parallel development of sonic storms by all three stringed instruments are powerful enough to offer a challenge for the proficient drummer Fernando Jaramillo: his tight foundations and inventive rolling making him a nuclear item at keeping a focus for the band's overall sound. At the same time, you can tell that most of the time there is a cleverly managed constraint in this exhibition of power, since the guitarists never get to indulge themselves into endless pyrotechnics. The show-off is more usual in Pérez's complex bass lines and harmonies ('Ensueño' being a perfect example), which conform the element of relatedness to Primus in Exsimio's music. It seems as if the arrangements were disposed to allow the bass be featured to a degree between the two guitars, and definitely, the human material involved in the line-up makes it work quite right. Some numbers are subtly ethereal, but most of the time the ambience tends to be somber and furious: the full repertoire's inner contrast is generally leaning more toward the harder side of prog. The few tracks with lyrics are more recited than sung, which makes them more evidently testimonial than literally lyrical - by the way, let me add that the messages are charged with left-handed political views. The setlist is so compact and consistent that it is really difficult to make a one-by-one review or pick faves; anyway, let me confess that 'Baretta', 'Ensueño' (recited lyrics taken from Commander Carlos' manifesto), '6 Segundos de Silencio' and the stunning closer 'Angelmandinga' are the most appealing numbers to me. With a band whose impetuous energy is perfectly matched by its talent you can't go wrong: the Crimson influence is very spread in the bolder side of Chilean prog, and this quartet happens to be one of its most accomplished incarnations. "Exsimio" is a must for any decent experimental prog collection and Exsimio is a band to pay close attention to.

This was a hard cd to track down, but the search was well worth it. I already had their "Carbano 14" record and was crossing my fingers that this would be as good. It is. Again the bass leads the way with the drums not far behind. The lead guitar recalls Mr.Fripp often. I was reminded of "Lateralus" more then once with the very heavy bass and drum interplay.

Speaking of TOOL "Cigoto" has a TOOL-like intro of drums and some fat bass lines to open the show. The angular guitar comes in followed by some grinding melodies. Nice. Check the bass out though ! Blistering guitar to follow. "Baretta" is uptempo to begin with before it calms down some 1 1/2 minutes in. Nice sound. The guitar grinds out some melodies, and the song ends with some amazing bass. "Ensueno" displays the bands talents very well. The prominant bass, upfront drumming and angular guitar. Some Spanish words 2 1/2 minutes in followed by a powerful sound a minute later. "Porka Tana" opens with the birds chirping and people speaking in Spanish. It's fairly mellow instrumentally until it really kicks in after 2 minutes. This contrast continues. "El Jucio De Jack Y La Madre De Carneamarga" opens with a dark and heavy bass and drum rhythm. My truck is shaking inside at this point. This song is a killer,especially 2 minutes in. "Empalme" features more drums and some outrageous bass.There are vocals and vocal melodies. We get a sonic explosion after 2 minutes. Oh my ! The guitar is on fire. Yeah i'm smiling.

"6 Minutes De Silencio" has a heavy yet uplifting sound thanks to the guitar melodies playing over top of the bass and drums. Briefly it becomes tranquil as the bass and drums stop leaving the guitar to carry the song. After 4 minutes the guitar cries out and the bass and drums pound away. "Travolta" has a fusion vibe to it. It's very well done but i prefer the heavy bass and drum sound. "Tributo" brings us back to that TOOL-like sound with some scorching guitar as well. "5mm2" has some Spanish vocals in it as well as a good guitar solo 2 minutes in. Vocals are back 3 1/2 minutes in followed by a bass solo ! You know the line in the SAGA song "Wind him up he can't stop..." well i think someone did that to the guitarist on this song. "Angelmandinga" is more of the same and that's a good thing. Some blistering guitar and it ends very heavily.

Highly recommended music from Chile. Get either album, they are both terrific. It's easy to get excited about the way these guys play.