WIND AND BLUE

I was eminently impressed by the band's debut EP already. One aspect at first, this new album, released four years later, again proves that Prog and Mellotron are practically unseparable. That was my initial impression. This five-piece band hailing from Portugal delivers wonderful touching melodies here. Everything is headed by Miguel Santos' charming singing voice. A considerably melancholic yet cinematic mood. Hereby the eight songs are provided with a lot of balladesque moments. When being rather dominant, not my favourite in general. But this is worked out with so much care, atmosphere, sensibility, that I'm really really impressed. 'Wind And Blue', a suitable album title. Whilst listening to this in continuous loop, let me imagine a mild early evening, sitting on the balcony together with some dear fellows, a glass of red wine in my hand, enjoying the spectacular view over the sea towards the horizon. Aaaahhhhh!

And so, initially, I'd like to name the first two songs Arrroyo and Crown Flash, because being rather representative for those aforementioned impressions. The Boy And The Wind then sees them making pace for the first time. Finally, towards the end, they even prove their capability to rock the boat really. And so this is avoiding to appear single tracked in the end. Just to highlight the tricky Reap The Whirlwind too, that comes somewhat different. A nice swinging jazzy opening with silky electric piano, but then occasionally the whirlwind comes up, excellently set into a musical expression. Clappies! This album grows with every new round. These guys know how to make sensitive music. Predominantly psychedelic folk tinged, with moderate wind instrument support, and hints from bands like Tame Impala, Gazpacho, or Anubis maybe.