EL BUFO DE LA CORT

What a surprise: a Catalonian (region around famous Spanish city Barcelona) progrock band with a English name on a Dutch label! On the cover you will notice a jester (in Spanish this is the album title 'bufo de la cort'), this reference is not a coincidence because from the very first moment on the music is drenched into the early Marillion sound. Especially the first track "Arlequi" sounds like a Catalonian progrock version of "Market Square Heroes" featuring an up-tempo rhythm and a enthousiastic approach. But Dr. No is more than just another early Marillion sounding group. First the wonderful lush keyboards sound, delivered by three members, featuring lots of keyboards including strings, a grand piano and the Mellotron. Second the very tasteful and refined compositions, from dreamy to compelling and even bluesy (the short Estacion Pirenaica has hints from early Wishbone Ash). Third the splendid, very compelling electric guitarwork (with echoes from Latimer and Rothery) featuring lots of sensitive, often howling soli, EXCELLENT! And four the beautiful vocals in the Catalonian language, a mix of Spanish. French and Portuguese. A WONDERFUL SYMPHONIC ROCK ALBUM