In the spirit of 80's King Crimson comes this exciting band from Argentina called Zonda Projeckt. The title in English means "the secret weeping of the moon", which is actually a good title for this CD, as the music at times takes on a spacey fusion tone, and at others it has a angular, complex prog groove not unlike Discipline era Crimson. The band is primarily composed of three members; Mario Matar on guitar and guitar synth, Ernesto Vidal on bass and Mellotron, and the excellent Tuti Vega on electronic and acoustic percussion.
In light of many other instrumental projects, this CD takes a more atmosperic stance and doesn't try to blow you away with chops, and in the process the band has created some wonderful sounds here. The intoxicating title track is just mezmerizing in its minimalist beauty, with weaving guitar lines, melodic Rickenbacker bass (can't go wrong with that instrument in my view!) and intelligent use of electronic drums from Vega that sound more like a cross between keyboards and vibes than anything else. "Jai-Alai" is a charming little number with intricate bass and guitar synth passages, just dripping with poetic melody. The CD's centerpiece is the epic track "Los Tres Pelos del Diablo (The Three Hairs of the Devil)", and at 19 minutes takes the listener through many shifts and turns. The interplay between the guitar and bass here is quite good, and ardent prog lovers will really be pleased as well with the agressive drums and occasional Mellotron washes. Matar especially lays down some meaty guitar solos, as his hard rock side comes out in the form of speedy, distorted lines dripping with wah-wah ala Joe Satriani. "El Vigia en la Tormenta (The Watcher in the Storm)" and "Crimsonika" are two tunes straight out of the King Crimson book of prog, combining the best of 70's and 80's Crimson by harnessing the savage beauty of the Red era with the intricate and intelligent nature of the bands Discipline period. Clever use of loops here as well that reminded me of some of David Torn's work. Fans of the mighty Mellotron will get a kick out of the song "La Jirafa en Llames (The Burning Giraffe)", a two headed monster that starts off with ominous 'tron and electronic drums before leading into a burning fusion romp featuring acrobatic guitar solos and manic percussion.
El Llanto Secreto De La Luna is a solid release, and quite different from other South American prog groups I have heard lately. King Crimson and fusion fans I think will especially find lots to sink their teeth into here.
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