This four-piece prog ensemble from Argentina really suprised me. Utilizing a sound that combines early King Crimson, Jethro Tull, and a smattering of jazz (kind of like Anglagard, Anekdoten, or Landberk without the Mellotron), this group creates a dark, brooding sound that fits right in with the Scandinavian prog scene, and is very unlike the traditional, romantic, neo-prog music found in much of South America.
While I am not fond of the production on La Otra Cara (the guitar is rather poorly recorded), the playing on this instrumental CD is quite good. The main instrument is the flute, played by Damian Lois (guest Francisco Huici adds some sax as well). His flute style is rather aggressive and raw, much like Ian Anderson on the early Tull CD's, and can be heard in full force on tracks like "Los Ritos" and "El Ermitano." The fuzzy guitar work of Ignacio Lois is also quite effective, much like a young Robert Fripp, but is way down in the mix. This is a minor problem however, as the songs have a nice vintage quality to them, and keep up the moody nature throughout the CD. His melodic and technical solos rage on the energetic song "Trio", adding a nice metallic touch to this more fusion flavored track. The bass work of Luis Colucci and the drum playing of Julian De Ambrosio also need to be commended, as they hold the rhythm steady while the Lois brothers weave their way throughout each song. Colucci on a few occasions also throws in some slippery bass runs, especially on the previously mentioned "El Ermitano." Keyboards on the CD are used sparingly, as to not hinder the manic interplay that is mainly between the flute and guitar.
A good CD from a promising band, and highly recommended for lovers of intricate, instrumental prog with influences from classic bands of the 70's.
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