NAU ALETHEIA

Nau Aletheia is Buenos Aires' hottest new collection of budding young talent, and their self-titled EP is gleaming with potential. The band initially got its start by writing film scores for a few local underground films (and I think some of those soundtracks made their way onto this EP), so it's no wonder that they're so masterful at creating drama and evoking intense moods. This can be heard right from the start of the opener "Nordenskjöld", a heavy, apocalyptic track where Alvar Llusa-Damiani's violin sticks at the forefront.

Already having gained some notoriety for his work with the recent reincarnation of Bubu, Damiani is one of the main creative forces behind this project and I think he really brings a lot of Bubu with him. Being the world's hugest Bubu fan, this is a very good thing for me; I can't get enough of the wild, chaotic and head-spinningly complex jazz-heavy prog sound. However, this new group shows a different side of his musical persona, as well, with Damiani also taking on lead guitar duties. And as the opener weaves in and out of its metallic, descending motif into a smooth jazz fusion interlude and back, the EP furthers its multi-faceted approach with the second track, "Octaedro". This one may very well be my favourite offering from the band so far. It takes on a more traditional symphonic approach, with melodic keyboards by Gabriel Herrera driving the piece along while Damiani complements him with his brilliantly erratic six-string displays.

As we pass the 10-minute mark, a chilling but calming interlude, "Enfermos de ruido" (a soundtrack piece if I'm not mistaken) gives us a little breathing room. This is well needed before "Mates" blasts into a Fripp-ian heavy riffing assault. As has been the motif throughout the album, it soon gives way to a calmer interlude, with lyrical flute lines interweaving into the band's sound. The album finally finishes off with "Tangopendiente", a bandoneon-driven tango-based piece, ending the album in traditional Argentinian fashion.

I've gotta say, I'm really impressed just how many ideas these guys managed to pack into only 20 minutes. There's no doubt that Nau Aletheia have incredible chemistry as musicians, and are absolutely brimming with creativity. As it stands right now, though, I'll give this inaugural offering 3 stars. The music is very good, but I wouldn't consider it to be essential listening. As is the unfortunate reality of the EP format, this is just a teaser; you're really left craving for more by the time it ends. As well, with all the ideas bouncing about, it can feel a little unfocused at times. Those are just minor complaints, though; I strongly encourage fans of eclectic prog to check out this EP, and hopefully you'll join me in eagerly awaiting the full length album, because I have no doubt it'll be a great one with this calibre of musicianship.