CUATRO VISIONES

Quite frankly, I don't really get what's the big fuss all about. While I can totally agree that "Cuatro visiones" is a dark and sinister chamber (well, to a degree) rock album with strong Univers Zero influence, this record is nowhere near its excellence. Instead of carefully designed and detailed chamber rock, this album seems much more loose, chaotic, frantic, and just straight-up ugly. I woudn't consider the writing impressive at all, the compositions are not masterfully crafted, the instruments don't interplay with each other almost at all, and the atmosphere - while undeniably dark and heavy - isn't mysterious at all (and that's one of the major factors that made albums like "1313" or "Heresie" masterpieces). Some tracks are not so bad, some moments are interesting, but the majority of the content, as for a RIO chamber ensemble, is pretty weak. Besides, there is quite a lot of awful-sounding MIDI instruments, including drums and cellos. I mean, they have the freaking cellist onboard already, why the hell would they even consider using MIDI cello?! It just sounds pitiful.

I'm particually confused, because this project was led by one of a kind Mexican bassoonist, Juan Carlos Ruiz, who played in Nazca before (and did much, much better job there). I hope the band will come up with a new, more focused and carefully crafted album (with no damn MIDIs!), but - as for now - I recommend avoiding this release, unless you're into chaotic and heavy mess. If you want to explore some top-notch Mexican RIO, go for bands like Nazca or Decibel instead.