ANO VELOZ OUTONO ADENTRO

Progressive rock needs bands like this one!POCOS & NUVENS were formed in 1986 in the city of Santa Maria in Rio Grande do Sul,South Brazil and started as a trio,before becoming a quintet through the years to come.The blending of progressive rock with traditional Brazilian and generally Latin-American tones was quite imaginative,however it wasn't until 1996,when the band entered the studio to record their first release.This would come up under the title ''Ano veloz outono adentro'' in 1998.

An excellent album indeed,in ''Ano veloz outono adentro'' every single instrument is carefully used in order not to spoil the album's balance between folk rock and symphonic rock.Violins, flutes, accordeons and plenty of acoustic guitars create a mellow and dreamy soundscape for lovers of pastoral musicianship with influences coming from compatriots BACAMARTE and even Italian prog legends like PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI or CELESTE.Those Brazilian folk melodies are absolutely majestic and -according to the band's members -the fact, that they live near the borders with Argentina, had also a big impact on their sound.All this traditional sounds are supported by the symphonic flavor created by Gerson Werlang's smooth guitar playing and sensitive solos,the slow piano passages and the nice synth work,not far from the style of TEMPUS FUGIT.The combination is definitely more than charming,the interplays between electric and acoustic instruments show a band with great talent and you should also add both the male and female vocal work in a very emotional style to complete a stunning first step for the band into the progressive rock field.

POCOS E NUVENS are definitely a band to watch and one of the few bands around with the potential to create a future masterpiece!Definitely essential,followed by a solid 4 star rating!