GRITARÉ

I have had the pleasure of late in talking with Alfredo (the vocalist on ANGULART's first album) about the amazing music that has come out of his country of Chile. He has mentioned more than once that I need to hear this record from MATRAZ. I had already reviewed MATRAZ previous album called "Tiempo" and really liked it, but he said this one is better. And he is right ! The biggest change between the two albums is the former bass player and vocalist leaving and being replaced by two people. A new bass player (Jorje), as well as a female singer named Loreto Chaparro. She apparently was (is?) a vocal instructor, and it's easy to tell she would be perfect for that job. We are blessed to be able to hear her sing on this record. There is something about this music that makes me feel good. And I know what it is, it's Loreto's vocals whenever she is singing normally that makes me feel like i'm home. That is the best way I can describe it, and it's a huge compliment to her. She can also really let it rip vocally, but it's her calm, natural voice that is so satisfying. All the vocals and liner notes are in Spanish so I can't give much more information than I have.

"Gritare" opens with riffs and prominant synth runs.The drumming is outstanding as the sound is quite heavy. When Loreto sings the song slows down as if to listen. Piano arrives 4 minutes in and this album has a boat load of beautiful piano melodies. She gets aggressive vocally with a heavy soundscape before 5 minutes. This contrast of mellow and heavy continues. Some great guitar 7 minutes in. "Redencion" opens with a pleasant melody as Loeto vocals go from edgy to beautiful. The guitar is on fire and a synth solo follows.The climate and tempo continues to change. Some killer guitar 5 minutes in with her angry vocals.The contrast between her vocal styles is cool. It just makes her natural voice seem even warmer and more beautiful after I have heard her sing with an edge. "REM" is an instrumental of mostly piano as heaviness and guitar come and go.

"Sangre Derramada" opens with a mellow soundscape of piano, drums and vocals. A change arrives 3 1/2 minutes in as the drums sort of rumble in. A nice vocal melody a minute later with piano and drums. Guitar 7 1/2 minutes in as drums and piano carry on. The guitar gets quite aggressive followed by vocals. The last minute of the song is mellow like the beginning of the track with piano and vocals. "Trazma" is apparently an anagram of the band's name. It opens heavily with some great sounding synths. The sound softens as vocals and piano come in. Passionate vocals take over as heaviness comes and goes. She's great ! Nice synth and drum work as well. "Condor" opens with a pastoral mood that continues for 3 minutes. Then a jazzy atmosphere comes in with some gorgeous piano and light drums. Guitar takes the lead 5 minutes in. Nice. Emotional too. "Sobreviviente" is an 18 minute epic to close out the album. This song has so many twists and turns. Heavy and mellow. Vocals, guitar, piano and drums all get a chance to shine. Outstanding track ! It ends with marching style drums and vocals.

4.5 stars. Apparently the title of this album means "I will shout". Appropriate as far as i'm concerned, because I want to shout for all to hear "Get this album !". And not only this album but the many great bands of Chile. SARAX, EXSIMIO, LA DESOOORDEN, ANGULART, FLOTANTE and TRYO and that's just off the top of my head. There is more !