SATURNAL

This is a band that just keeps getting better.These Spaniards have expanded their lineup to seven including two new members from the band PLANET IMAGINARIO (drums & sax). Udi Koomran mastered this album in Isreal. They've come a long way from their dark and oppressive self titled album which was my first taste of OCTOBER EQUUS. Now there's more light and it's like listening to a world class Chamber music ensemble. I'm not using the full song titles because they are too freaking long and in Spanish.

First up is "Estructuras..." with piano and cello leading early then it kicks in just before a minute. Check it out before 3 minutes. So much going on. "El Furioso..." is a good uptempo track with some interesting guitar 2 minutes in followed by dissonant horns.

"Una Mirada..." is a dark track and check out the odd-metered drum work and angular guitar after 2 1/2 minutes. Nice. "Ingravidez" is a short horn, guitar and drum piece. "Llego Como..." is led by the guitar early then horns as the drums continue.The guitar is back 2 1/2 minutes in. So much going on.

"Realidad Ciega" is more laid back. It's fuller before 2 minutes though. "Avanzando..." has some great sounding drum work on it and lots of guitar too. Cello follows. "Un Mundo..." is short but really good. "No Pudieron..." has percussion, bass, keys and more as these intricate sounds come and go.

"Sutiles..." is dark with cello and sporadic drumming. Horns and guitar too. Great sound 4 minutes in then it settles back before 5 minutes. It's dark again late. "Ella Era..." is a short guitar led piece. Some organ late. "Abre Los Ojos!" picks up and it sounds incredible. It settles back 2 minutes in. Some dissonace before 4 1/2 minutes. "Ultimo Refigio" is an excellent closer with drums, horns, piano and more of course.

I admit this style of music is over my head but I do enjoy it even if it's not exactly my favourite sub genre.