Jaen Kief: Las Hadas no Vuelan mas – II el Agua de Frente

Formed in 1999, South American rock band Jaen Kief have released their second album entitled Las Hadas no Vuelan mas. On this album can be found a variety of styles including classical, folk, symphonic, jazz, Latin rhythms and Eastern sounds all mixed together to form their own brand of melodic South American progressive rock. You will find some Floyd references here along with Jethro Tull mainly due to the flute work scattered throughout the album. The music is quite subtle, never straying into hard rock territory, with lots of acoustic guitar, saxophone, trumpet and keyboards. There is also some fine electric guitar, sometimes reminding me of David Gilmour. The vocals are provided by Sol Beatriz Jaramillo and Juan Gonzalo Tamayo providing a nice contrast between male and female voice.

The beginning of the album is quite symphonic in nature, especially the first three songs. Starting with the excellent instrumental "Invierno en Atlantis" the music takes on Floyd-like overtones with their use of keys reminding somewhat of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond". Waves of synths, lush female vocalizations and flute help round out the sound. The Eastern inflected "Religio Medici" is highlighted by Gilmour-like guitar and more flute. The drumming of Mauricio Gonzalez is very strong here as it is throughout the CD. While not real flashy, his style is reminiscent of Nick Mason, in that he does not try to do to much, but provides just the right amount of rhythm. Another Eastern influenced song, "Ilusiones Olfativas", features guitar and flute weaving patterns throughout the music and ending with lovely chant-like vocals over a back-drop of acoustic guitar. "Hombres des Hielo" features a nice acoustic intro with ominous background sounds recalling Wall-period Pink Floyd. The album's longest song is the nine plus minute "Tus Suenos de tul". The intricate drum-work at the start is very good as is the classically influenced acoustic guitar. Mostly slow to mid tempo, the song flows nicely with all instruments used to good effect and mixes a variety of musical styles showing creativity and imagination.

Overall, this is a strong effort and anyone who has an affinity for South American rock should take notice. Of course, this music is not limited to them. Anyone who is interested in the styles of music mentioned above or the bands listed should find plenty to enjoy. Recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Invierno en Atlantis (4:48)
2. Religio Medici, 1643 (4:50)
3. Ilusiones Olfativas (5:33)
4. El hilo del Insomnio: 1. El Vuelo del ave (3:57)
5. El hilo del Insomnio: 2. La Clepsidra (3:49)
6. Hombres des Hielo (3:55)
7. Angustia Angelical (4:37)
8. Tus Suenos de tul (9:20)
9. Las Hadas no Vuelan mas (3:59)
10. Epilogo (6:22)

Added: May 10th 2009
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 3433
Language: english

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