Violeta de Outono: Espectro

Violeta de Outono is a progressive rock band hailing from Brazil and led by guitarist and vocalist Fabio Golfetti. I reviewed their album Volume 7 in 2011 which was a very solid progressive rock affair grounded in psychedelic/space rock. I have to admit I have had the next release titled Espectro for quite a long time as it came out in 2012. I sincerely apologize to the band for how long this review has taken to see the light of day.

Besides Golfetti the rest of the band are Gabriel Costa (bass), Fernando Cardosa (Hammond organ, piano, synths) and José Luiz Dinóla (drums), the band's newest member.

The disc begins with the absolutely amazing "Formas-Pensamento". Sprawling Hammond organ solos and textural layers of keys, dreamy laid back vocals and delicious guitar work adding some Floydy touches here and there makes this one an album highlight. The Hammond work is really something to behold and adds a retro flavour to the band's brand of melodic progressive rock. The second track "Montanhas Da Mente" is another lovely tune featuring dreamy keys and washes of synthesizer and as the tempo increases the melodic guitar playing of Golfetti takes the song to new heights. More outstanding Hammond is never far from the fold. Again, Golfetti's vocals are spot on. "Dia Azul" is another great track with Floyd-like guitar textures ala Dark Side of the Moon and fantastic backing vocals and electric piano providing an ethereal quality. It's a mellow track with subtle complexities and nuance that only accomplished musicians could pull off. A soaring guitar solo with trippy undertones ends the song in delightful fashion. The luxurious and languidly mellow prog of "Ondas Leves" is soothing and relaxing at the beginning featuring lovely guitar, Hammond and vocals before the playing becomes more intense. The layered guitar work is totally sublime.

At the end of the disc is the bonus track "News From Heaven" recorded in 2010. It's a gorgeous piece, stirring and majestic with sweeping orchestrations and a lovely vocal arrangement, the only song sung in English. The emotive guitar and organ solos cap a truly wonderful album.

I know this review might come across as fan-boyism but I can assure you this is not the case. This is just great music and I can't imagine anyone seriously into progressive rock not enjoying it fully.

Espectro is a melodic progressive rock album rich in sonics and dreamy atmospheres. This album will reap rewards for anyone who cares to listen. Highly recommended.

*In the fall of 2016 the band released their latest effort Spaces, an album I will most definitely check out.

Track Listing:
1. Formas-Pensamento (8:54)
2. Montanhas Da Mente (5:14)
3. Dia Azul (5:25)
4. Ondas Leves (7:38)
5. Claro Escuro (5:05)
6. Algum Lugar (4:13)
7. Anos-Luz (Manito's Dream) (4:47)
8. Espectro (1:10)
9. Solstício (6:30)
Extra
10. News From Heaven (9:26)

Added: March 5th 2017
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1476
Language: english

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