ENBOR

If you don't know any other Basque prog, it's hard to find a reference point for ENBOR, but suffice to say that it does not sound like the late 1970s at all. A groundswell of creativity had been stifled under Franco, which came to light in the 1976-1980 period, then essentially vanished. It's rock that is so mellow as to be lumped in with folk, even though I mildly question that categorization. Added winds of diverse pedigree, multipart vocals, and occasional insistent lead guitars, complete an intriguing picture.

I hear a lot of ITOIZ in here, not surprisingly since they had already produced 2 acclaimed albums by this time. In the first minute of the opening number, I hear a bit of ELOY's "Ocean", but this seems a passing snippet, mentioned more to reveal the breadth of interests. "Ondoan ez dut inor" and "Zuek ez dazizue" are the strongest tracks, with the latter bearing similarities to early HORSLIPS ("Musical Priest" and to DECAMERON's ("Tomorrow's Pantomime"). The lovely harmonies make me think of Germany's EDEN. The instrumental closer solidifies the eclectic chill-out vibe, with fluid percussion and electric piano to the fore.

Ultimately this is not an exciting album by any stretch, with a sameness that would not engage more demanding progressive ears. However, that same quality lends itself better to relaxation and reflection, and those who enjoy the pastoral, sometimes breezily jazzy, Basque sound of the period will be in raptures.