PSICOTROPIA

The debut album by this new prog band from Spain has certainly caught the attention of many fans, as it is noticed from the different web sources where reviews for this recording are submitted. Psicotropia's good fame has only been increased via their praised live performance in BajaProg 2004, in which they reportedly exhibited their aggressive energy in a most convincing manner: this is basically what is expected from almost every power trio, pure energy. Energy is indeed the key word when it comes to defining their prog style - an incendiary combination of 73-75 KC and early Primus, with touches of modern psychedelia, some clear hints to prog metal, and even some occasional minimalistic nuances on synthesizer (as in the opener 'Negro' and the initial section of 'Oigo Voces'), courtesy of bass player Jaime Mariscal. The recurrent use of powerful guitar riffs and chord progressions, as well as cleverly crafted mood shifts, bear the signal of the Crimsonian thing: but all in all, Psicotropia manages to create a voice of their own. The band's line of work is framed in a unitary strategy: the threesome obviously feeling at ease as a well- oiled ensemble. Yet, they don't conform to the rules of the guitar/bass/drumkit sound all the time: guests on flute, cello and additional lead guitar add musical colours of their own in order to help the band expand their sonic spectrum. In my opinion, 'Madre Tierra', 'Oigo Voces' and 'Discotropia' are the most featured examples of the album's overall statement; but it is on the 10 minute 'Suite Urdalia' where Psicotropia accomplish their most ambitious facet, with total progressive splendour, may I add. The more ethereal 'Viaje en Re' shows the band's ability to work with subtleties in an inventive way, while 'Pqtq' states a compromise between the ethereal and the rocky. The album's closure 'Delicada Sal Titánica' is just a recitation delivered over a background of piano arpeggios, and dreamy synth and guitar layers: a proper moment for meditation after the rocking outburst that had been taking place in most parts of the previous repertoire. I only wish the ensemble in itself sounded more cohesive, but I guess it's just a matter of maturity and experience: these guys are right on track, and the album is very good, almost excellent -- 3 1/2 stars.