SANGRE DE MUERDAGO

Before SANGRE DE MUERDAGO could begin to record their first proper album, Jorge Olsen de Abreu had passed away tragically, but he did not take his inspiration with him, as it infuses this and each subsequent work by Pablo and company. Like the demo recording in which he participated, this full length debut is almost entirely acoustic, but more instrumentation, specifically wistful violins and whistles, are integrated into the intoxicating blend of guitars, as well as vocals on over half the tracks.

The general mood is deliberate and melancholic, with a sense of beauty throughout. "Vellos camiños de vellas àrbores" is a standout, a brilliant introduction to Pablo as lead vocalist. It is reminiscent of early OLOFERNE, mystical and calling upon the forces and wisdom of nature, which ties back to the owl on the cover, and Pablo sings as though in a trance conjured to achieve the desired communion. Owls have been associated with witchcraft in Galician folklore. With "Arrastrando as cadeas", the repetitive almost minimalist approach remains, but the urgency and animation is cranked up with furious strumming, while the use of winds conjures New World styles, perhaps guided more by the absent hand of Brazilian Jorge. While "Onde as almas van a morrer" rekindles the more morose mood, it is enriched from the conjoined vocals of Pablo and Teresa and more whistles. "Madeira de teixo, pedra de castro" strikes a balance between the preceding vocal tracks, a captivating amalgamation of insistent massed guitars, reverent vocals, and violins.

This is a very mature debut by a seasoned Galician singer/songwriter/musician and guide, with those who have been chosen, or perhaps felt compelled, to accompany him.