ICONOCLASTA

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF GENESIS PLAYING IN THE STYLE OF CRUCIS?

Well,in a few words that is what is almost going on here.ICONOCLASTA are a legendary band from Mexico,formed in the beginning of the 80's in Mexico City.Starting mostly as a garage rock group,the sound of the band turned soon into a more progressive field combining elements from rock,jazz,folk and classical music.After managing to create a decent fame in prog rock circles in their country,the band decided to release their first eponymous album under their own ''Rosenbach records'' in 1983.

The sound of this album is mostly coming from the 70's,when I first listened to this album I would bet that it was created until 1975.This is mostly an instrumental symphonic/fusion album with only a touch of female vocals in the last track.Guitarists and founders of the band Ricardo Moreno and Ricardo Ortegon must be great fans of STEVE HACKETT.The Hackett-ish riffs and passages are all over the place,sometimes in a symphonic style,other ones through fast fusion solos.Victor Baldovinos is also an unbelievable drummer,following the guitarists with his fast,complex and alternating style of using the drums.Rosa Moreno's piano and synth work goes mostly in a symphonic way with melodic,atmospheric themes adding a more classical flavor to the album.I would say that this album falls perfectly in the symphonic prog genre with heavy touches of jazz and fusion.Needless to say the musicianship,though not so original,is of top notch with constantly changing moods,speeds and tempos,an amazing musical experience!

It is really a question without answer,why bands like ICONOCLASTLA are not wider known and promoted...This album came to me as one of my biggest discoveries in the year and is followed by my highest recommendations.Fans of GENESIS,FOCUS,FINCH,CRUCIS and adventuruous music lovers should search for this one immediately!The only reason I don't give this album 5 stars is the obvious lack in originality.A must have!!!