RACO

The best way I can describe this Chilean band is to call them the progressive Evanescence. On Raco, Crisálida juxtaposes graceful, light passages with semi-metal barrages, sewn together with elegantly powerful feminine vocals. The end result fluctuates frequently between excellence and dullness- the former due to strong technical ability and remarkable melodies, and the latter for their trying to be artistic instead of just making the amazing music they are capable of.

"Deficit Global" One might mistake this as a techno song initially, but as the drums and heavy guitars come in over the synthesizer, and later vocals, we are treated to neo-progressive rock excellence. Rapid-fire guitar and synthesizer soloing is the icing on the cake.

"Indigo" Steady and lethargic, this piece begins like a female-fronted Pink Floyd. It carries on in this pleasantly indolent manner until an eerie piano goes alone until joined by a heavy band. The music resumes its Pink Floyd-like meandering before petering off.

"Mi Libertad" The band returns to semi-metal on this third piece, but the addition of fluid keyboards gives it a little something extra. The vocal melody over the bass is excellent.

"Corporatocracy" This extended piece makes extensive use of the monologues of Arthur Jensen and Howard Beale in the Paddy Chayefsky film Network. The music itself involves various instrumental bits, particularly a smooth bass solo and a soaring lead guitar passage, but overall tends to get boring.

"Desterra" Taking on a simpler rock approach, the first half of this song would make for an effective 1980s FM hit. The lead guitar is so soulful. Halfway through it changes into piano and thick crashes of guitar, bass and drums.

"Raco I Intro" This is an eerie, atmospheric introduction- not much to it.

"Raco II Viento Del Sur" Led by an exciting piano, the final piece launches into a loose, grungy feel. As usual, the singing is terrific, sounding great over the dark background of deep bass and a Mellotron-like backing. It picks up midway through, making great use of various keyboard tones, finishing up with some heavy guitar.