NOVUS ORBIS

Argentinean act CONTRALUZ was formed way back in 1969, and with their debut effort "Americanos" in 1973 they were among the first Argentinean bands to utilize folk music influences in a progressive rock setting. Due to that they are generally regarded as pioneers and regarded as highly influential for the following bloom of Argentinean and South American progressive rock bands. "Novus Orbis" is their third full-length production since they reformed around the beginning of the millennium.

"Novus Orbis" is the fourth full-length production from this semi-legendary Argentinean band, and is a fine display of melodic progressive rock incorporating the musical legacies of folk music and symphonic art rock into a seamless whole; perhaps lacking a bit of an edge material-wise and arguably a tad too pleasant and safe for some, but a finely-crafted creation nonetheless. In particular for those fond of easy-to-grasp melodies and harmonic arrangements set within a fairly sophisticated framework.