CROMA

Unoma is basically a name chosen by Barcelona-based guitarist Fidel Vazquez, under which he performs from early-00's.Vasquez was helped by Pi-2 members, keyboardist Pito Costa (he also took over the bass duties) and singer Alex Warner, along with drummer Lluis Ribalta.A couple of guests helped Vaszquez on a pair of guitar performances and this was the Unoma team, which released the album ''Croma'' in 2003, distributed by Musea Records.

The eponymous track is a sensitive and warm exploration of guitar melodies and delicate piano lines in a very melancholic mood, followed by another instrumental piece, the 9-min. ''Black Hole'', dominated by a strong CAMEL-esque influence and featuring good and smooth guitar solos along with sharp synthesizers in a great contrast.''The bird'' shows no signs of change.Vasquez'es playing recalls the style of ANDY LATIMER, this time supported by somec electronic loops.The most jazzy-influenced performance of Vasquez comes with ''Magic tour'', his touch has a great SANTANA influence on the opening notes with synthesizers adding an atmospheric dimension, soon to become a soundscape full of powerful groovy guitars and flashy synths.A nice combination of Latin Jazz-Rock and groovy Heavy Prog.Of course the most demanding composition is the 15-min. ''In the name of God''.A great combination of vintage Prog, Neo/Symphonic Rock and Lounge music with some energetic performances on guitars, synths and organs along with the most dynamic performance of the rhythm section, filled both with grandieur and emotion.This is also the only composition featuring some vocals.

A nice proof of Vasquez guitar talent but also another nice example of Pi-2's keyboardist Pito Costa accomplished skills.Good, mostly instrumental prog, for fans of refined melodies and atmospheric soundscapes.Recommended.