AO VIVO EM NITERÓI

A band does itself a disservice when it chooses an idol for its moniker, especially one from the 1970s whose bloom has long since acquired a fetid scent. But I suppose it fits when talking about a tribute band or a clone. However, with TARKUS we have a measured intelligent act that catches a much wider drift of influences than EMERSON LAKE AND PALMER within its sonorous cilia, Yet they have further pigeonholed themselves by naming themselves after a specific album, in the process shortchanging themselves, ELP fans, and prospective fans who don't much care for ELP but would still find much to enjoy.

One aspect that is more or less accurate is the adoption of a sound firmly rooted in the 1970s, but even there I would just as readily draw comparisons to RICK WAKEMAN, BANCO, and other 70s RPI, and no doubt some big Brazilian names of the period. In addition, TARKUS didn't simply ignore the 20 odd years that followed the 70s, and I hear a fair bit of second generation groups from as far as Germany (ANYONE'S DAUGHTER), Japan (TERU'S SYMPHONIA) , and yes, Brazil (SOLUS) in the flourishes of some of the more flamboyant cuts.

Considering this really isn't my thing, I actually like about half of it well enough, my favourite being the piano tour de force "A Conquista". Others with plenty of highlights include the varied and swinging "A Dança Escolhida", marred by a requisite drum solo; the album's longest track "Dumont", with some truly electrifying synthesizer runs amongst occasional excesses; and the lively "O Retorno Da Lenda". I confess that I thought the lead singer was male until I read the credits, but no matter - she acquits herself rather well.

Just as many tracks seem aimless and lack coherence, particularly those in the early going, even as they have worthwhile moments. For instance "O Portal" doesn't wake up till the last few minutes while"Vida Nova" drags on too much at the end with the same theme repeated ad nauseum. Perhaps the group wanted to start the show more slowly and build up to the best tracks.

So this album is not a copy of ELP as inspired as it might be by them. No, no, a brazilian times no! 2.5 stars rounded up.