ÜNDER LINDEN

Strange thing, this is an Argentinian band named after a boulevard of the Berlin district.Under Linden came in life in 2001 by husband and wife Mario Gimeno (drums) and Gabriela Gonzalez (keyboards), both played during the 70's/80's in the underground group Fahrenheit, with whom bassist Jorge Dal Cin also spent some time, it was meant to become also a member of Under Linden.Violinist Roberto Medina, a former bandmate of Gimeno, and guitarist Ignacio Scarsella completed the line-up.In 2003 the band released a live CD-R, captured at the Festival Sinfo-Prog in La Plata and in 2005 they felt that the time for a studio album had come.Their self-titled debut was recorded at the Hollywood-City Bell Studio in La Plata between October 2005 and November 2006, released in 2007 on Viajero Inmovil.Some themes on the album date back from the days of Gimeno and Gonzalez with Fahrenheit.

Under Linden play all instrumental and highly melodic Neo/Symphonic Prog with emphasis on sensitive, atmospheric themes and elaborate melodies, deriving elements from the music of CAMEL and OUTER LIMITS.The strong presence of the violin somewhat sets them apart from the mass of bands following the same style and the result is a lovely, laid-back album with occasional breaks into more grandiose executions with a big, symphonic sound.Typical elements of their style are the smooth, LATIMER-like guitar solos, the refined keyboard soundscapes, the solid rhythm section and the impressive work of Medina on violin.There are even some acoustic lines placed next to the electric runs and the production is great, giving a beautiful color to Scarsella's emotional guitar plays.Almost all tracks begin with a calm prelude on synths and guitars and eventually build upon Medina's violin parts and Scarsella's rising guitar textures, a combination that works pretty well, but gets a bit tiring along the way.During the more pronounced violin themes a slight folky underline becomes discreet, but the bulk of the album is melodic Symphonic Rock with a crystalline and mellow sound.

Not a groundbreaking work, but this is music played over a strong emotional content, delivering imaginative themes and even offering some rockin' and richer ideas.Recommended.