THE DAWN AFTER THE STORM

This is my favorite prog album from the land that gave us "futbol", great coffee and the samba, among many other lovely attributes. Their first album "Tales from a Forgotten World" was a definite winner and this second cup is even better! Unfortunately , its been 7 years now waiting for their next studio album , "Chessboard" but its still in process (what torture!). "The Dawn After the Storm" is a masterpiece all the way through, no need to push the fast forward button but the repeat one is a good idea! What gives this recording such a warm response lies in the style chosen by these accomplished musicians. As the opener "Daydream" kicks in, the true nature becomes vividly apparent: as with many other Brazilian symph bands, the first word that comes to mind is SMOOTH. Indeed, the various instruments exude a silky splendor, very melodic, highly lyrical with uplifting themes shaped by cristalline keyboard textures , spirited acoustic guitars, lush Hackettesque lead electric interventions, fluid bass lines and , as usual with the percussion-mad South Americans, great drumming through out. The tiltle track is broken down into 4 parts, kicked off (another soccer pun) with a thunderclap and rain , somewhat reminiscent of Tai Phong's classic prog epic "Out of the Night" . Guitarist Henrique Simoes and keyboardist Andre Mello are two melody monsters , applying velvety touches brimming with achingly beautiful choruses and shimmering solos. "Never" is the first of 3 excellent vocal tracks and keeps the ball rolling. "Tocando Voce" is a 6 string showcase that is a definite highlight , with simply gorgeous music. The next two cuts, "The Fortress" and "Preludio de Sevilla" are just as good but I cannot wait to get to the final three: "The Sight" is a prog jewel, as good or better than anything from "Spectral Mornings" by the afore-mentioned Hackett, the fragile vocals conveying a deep sincerity within a hook that will whip your pants off (Its okay, lots beaches in Rio): goose-bump central! "O Dom de Voar" seems to be my previous reviewers favorite track and they are not suffering from sun-stroke! Its an imperial track, loaded with memorable themes and luscious playing. The finale, "Discover" has a central breezy theme that only a tropical environment can come up with: a gentle lilt , jazzy little guitar parts that stick to your sweat drenched brain , urging you to reach over and pick up your "Bavaria", crunch a sliver of lime, gulp away and go "AAAAAHHH!. In my rather humble opinion (and seconded by my PA colleagues) this is an absolute Prog classic that deserves to be heard, purchased , treasured and revisited often. I am sure that G. Barros would agree. O Brigada! 5 mello yellows