OCELOS

One of Chile's most accomplished symphonic prog bands, R-U KAISER got its start in the northern city of Antofagasta in 2002 where they recorded their first single titled OCELOS which would eventually spawn the debut album of the same name five years later. The band went through a series of lineup changes and experimentations with instruments before finally settling on the Oscar Arias (drums), Mario Pizarro "Morus" (keyboards, synthesizer), Pablo Lizana (guitar, bass), Pilar Núñez (vocals)), Lino Oré (bass) however it was the addition of vocalist Bárbara Wilson that really cemented the band's sound which evolved into a highly complex mix of symphonic prog rock with elements of neo-prog, space rock and touches of more complex avant-prog angularity.

The name of the band actually emerged as a tribute to Rolf Ulrich Kaiser who was the founder of the Ohr label which is considered a fundamental development in the evolution of German Krautrock which is a strange tribute coming from a highly symphonic band steeped in keyboard virtuosity and atmospheric overload. As the band's talents and sophistication quickly outgrew its small town setting, the band relocated to the capital city of Santiago and has existed for 20 years and so far released two brilliant albums beginning with this one OCELOS which simply is a zoological term referring to the eye of a mammal or an arthropod.

OCELOS features four lengthy proggy tracks feature dynamic keyboard wizardry, heavy guitar riffing and the exquisite vocal harmony prowess of the combo effect of Bárbara Wilson and Pilar Nuñez, The album begins with "Dioscuros" and distantly reminds of the dramatic intro and build up of Yes' "Close To The Edge" with over-the-top proggy bombast complete with time signature trickery, hefty bass bantering and oscillating electronic pulsation. The track tamps things down a bit when Wilson delivers her angelic touch in the vocal department but the music remains set on heavier rock mode with an incessant pummelation of guitar riffs, bass grooves and a hefty percussive drive. The rich atmospheric touches keep this firmly placed in the realms of symphonic for the entire album's run with each track delivering a new distinct stylistic approach.

"Letargia" follows and means "lethergy" thus slowing down the pace a bit with some piano runs and a mellower melodic prog touch with Wilson's sensual vocals leading the way. Despite the track title Mario Pizarro is a beast of a keyboardist and quickly engages in feisty piano arpeggios and electronic symphonic sound effects although the tempo is set to slo-mo. While technically a ballad it's an atmospheric powerhouse with beautiful guitar arpeggios, electronic slide effects and a mesmerizing use of Wilson's vocal style with wordless utterances. "Semjases" continues the ethereal touches but picked up a more rhythmic touch with Wilson offering some ethnic folk style of vocals. The track then picks up steam with a feisty guitar presence and the band starts rocking out again with the symphonic prog keys on full attack mode but then suddenly bursts into a psychedelic trippy sequence. This track masters the art of diverse dynamics and hairpin turns.

The title track ends the album with another interesting mix of electronic sound effects, complex rhythmic percussion and virtuoso piano rolls of the highest calibre. The track basically continues the style already laid down with alternating heavier motifs commingling with softer sensual space rock moments. Wilson's vocal style though always remains angelic and light-hearted in nature. Overall OCELOS is a fascinating display of symphonic prog delivered by seasoned musicians that weave together some extremely satisfying prog compositions that mix the perfect ingredients together to create a satisfying album's run of heavier and mellower aspects of symphonic prog sometimes bordering on neo-prog but with a style of their own, R-U KAISER easily ranks as one of the most brilliant bands to emerge from Chile that i've encountered so far at least. Totally unique and exquisitely produced, OCELOS is a masterful joy from beginning to end.