Abrete Gandul: Enjambre Sismico

Listening to Chilean band Abrete Gandul has been like a breath of fresh air these last few days. Their first album ¿Bichos=Dichos? was released in 2000, their second album Cuentos Para Dormir in 2005 and with 2011 comes their latest release Enjambre Sismico. The band play a brand of instrumental progressive rock laced with jazzy elements and a heavy nod towards '70s retro. It is safe to say if you like bands like King Crimson and Van Der Graaf Generator, Abrete Gandul should be right up your wheelhouse.

In the band are Antonio Arceu (drums, percussion), Jaime Acuna (keyboards), Rodrigo Maccioni (guitars, flute, effects) and Pedro Santander (bass) with guest musician Leo Arias providing saxophone and clarinet.

The music on Enjambre Sismico is pretty heavy in an angular sort of way but never enters the prog metal spectrum. It is eclectic, heavy progressive rock albeit with many softer, ambient-like passages scattered throughout which makes this music all the more interesting. The band never sticks to one rhythmic structure, preferring to travel along different musical paths. This is dynamic stuff and sounds great through a good set of headphones.

This is a moody effort which is no better demonstrated than on the album's first track "Hacia la nada". Atmospheric guitar notes and low bass rumblings lead to proggy Eastern tinged rhythms with a decided jazzy feel. The band's eclectic approach should satisfy listeners seeking something a little more adventurous than your typical prog.

Crashing rhythms and organ accents augment the stunning but short "Necro Sistema" but the band stretch it out on the ten plus minute "Consecuencia Natural", a progressive rock 'tour de four'. Jazzy guitar bits and a funky groove, not unlike Pink Floyd's "Money" are on full display along with the saxophone of Leo Arias, adding a whole new dimension to the band's sound.

The album's longest track is the ambitious "Colapso" with its cool atmospheric intro of reverberating keys. It's a buildup of textures; moody ambient parts, angular guitar chords and jazzy lead work. Maccioni's flute is also very welcoming to the ears.

The album ending "…Y Ahora Que?" is probably the jazziest tune here featuring the sax and clarinet of Leo Arias.

Enjambre Sismico is an excellent album from a very talented band. If you dig eclectic progressive rock with lots of mood and atmosphere you really should pick this one up.

Track Listing:
1. Hacia la nada (4:27)
2. Necro Sistema (3:02)
3. Marejada (7:29)
4. Consecuencia Natural (10:26)
5. Colapso (11:20)
6. Convergencia Caótica (8:01)
7. Intangible (7:55)
8. …Y Ahora Qué ? (7:20)

Added: September 5th 2011
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's MySpace Page
Hits: 2823
Language: english

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