AUCAN

Aucan's roots date back in 1970, when brothers Eugenio Perez qnd Miguel Perez formed a Psych/Folk duo in Argentina and even released a record in 1972.A few years later they were joined by their two younger brothers Diego (on drums) and Pablo (on bass, keyboards and voices) to form Aucan.The family quartet eventually recorded and released a self-titled debut LP in 1977 on the obscure Diorama label.

The Perez brothers proposed a pastoral Folk Rock in this effort, surrounded by occasional progressive vibes through the frequent use of electric guitars, piano and keyboards.The album is filled with very warm and sensitive vocal lines, sometimes with a choir-like approach by the brothers' collaboration, and the strong acoustic passages have a very calm and mellow atmosphere, not far from compatriots PASTORAL.These moments are very delicate and emotional, characterized by some archaic traditional flutes and acoustic strings, although with little instrumental depth.On the other hand there are also more upbeat passages, based on electric instrumentation and the careful use of keyboards, mainly piano and moog synthesizers.The vocals remain very emotional, the music however becomes more interesting with a slight symphonic flavor in the orchestrations.The guitars have a discreet HACKETT-ish color and the alternating presence of piano and synths, though not much in the forefront, add a nice diversity to the sound.

A quite good album within the Prog Folk genre's borders.Fans of the style will love this album, but ''Aucan'' has a strong chance to be appreciated also by lovers of more emotional music journeys.Quite rare, but recommended.