SINTESIS [AKA: EN BUSCA DE UNA NUEVA FLOR]

Grupo Sintesis from Cuba emerged as one of the most popular acts to mix Afro-Cuban rhythms with Jazz and Latin Music.But theie first steps were definitely into a different sound.They hailed from Havana and were formed by director/guitarist Carlos Alfonso and his wife Eve Valdes,initially named Tema IV,along with five more members on vocals, guitars, bass and drums.In 1976 Alfonso decides to collaborate with guitarist Miguel Porcel and keyboardist Jose Maria Vitier in order to explore new sounds and the group was renamed to Sintesis.Their debut ''En Busca de una Nueva Flor'' came out in 1978.

The album is a very rare case of Cuban progressive rock and an excellent amalgam of Symphonic Rock and Folk with heavy doses of acoustic passages and warm vocals.There are plenty of keyboards around,creating magnificent soundscapes,from the romantic use of harpsichord and light organs to the melodic moog synth solos and the Classical-influenced piano parts.These deep atmospheres are constantly supported by numerous acoustic explorations,sometimes in long, demanding, complicated instrumental passages.The use of electric guitars is careful and recalls the best of GENESIS and PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI.But what really explodes this album are the fascinating and unique polyphonic arrangements,especially the female choirs are so dreamy and ethereal,you can't get enough of them.Male vocals are more expressive and certainly in the same level.The albums holds plenty of similarities with the Spanish and Italian Prog scene,more precisely bands in the vein of MAXOPHONE,PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI and CRACK.

''En Busca de una Nueva Flor'' is an absolute winner among the monster names of 70's prog.Delicate harmonies,professional interplays and top notch vocal arrangements guarantee a fantastic journey into the world of Symphonic Rock.Highly recommended.