FÉCULA BICORPÓREA

Released in 1997, Sarax's debut album "Fécula Bicorpórea" is a collection of tracks that the original trio (guitarist Marcelo Larenas, drummer-keyboardist Juan Pablo Velasco and bassist Demetrio Cifuentes) recorded at different moments during the band's seminal era. The style developed throughout the repertoire is not as consistent as in their two following albums, more brilliant efforts, indeed. Nevertheless, this 11-track collection manages to capture the major influences - 90's King Crimson, Mr. Bungle, technical metal, RIO, electronic avant-garde, all of it seasoned with dadaistic humor (weird chanting and vocal effects) and sinister nuances in places. 'Teléfono Solo' kicks off with a solemn soliloquy laid on creepy synth adornments and piano chords, after which a bizarre exhibition of industrial-meets-thrash metal kicks in an ultra-neurotic fashion. This opener really grabs the listener's guts by storm, almost like forcing them to decide if they want to explore any further or just leave it alone for good. I remember my first "Fécula Bicorpórea" experience: I listened to this track twice before going on with the remaining tracks. That was my way of getting attracted by this band's vision. Later on, "Subterbaño" will continue to provide more of this radical neurosis, even taking it to an enhanced level of aggressiveness. As a contrast, the band shows its softer moods in numbers such as 'Compacto' (an eerie, soothing amalgam of symphonic-oriented keyboard layers) and 'Tiranao' (a somber interlude that sort of emulates the soundtrack for a sci-fi movie in a thrilling scene). Tracks 2, 4 & 5 are the most notably typical of Sarax's rock essence: in fact, all of them reappeared in their "Ejecución" album benefiting from a finer sound mixing, but anyway, even in this album they serve as real highlights. 'Kovyankho' is an amazing killer, no matter the album it is in: the spacey intro, the complex sequence of rockier sections that come along in an impressive mixture of wild prog rock and jazz-rock. Very influenced by their compatriots Tryo with added keyboards. 'Subcutanya' and the closer 'Semilla' also bring more of that reckless psychedelic rock vibe of Crimsonian origins. I don't truly recommend this album as an entrance into the world of Sarax since it lacks enough cohessiveness, but it sure will please all lovers of experimental prog with a hard rocking edge, and of course, all those who are already familiar with the band's other efforts.