The 3rd album from Totem is quite a sophisticated album for the time and place. Uruguay in 1973, like other Southern Cone countries, were in the midst of creative-crushing dictatorships. Interesting then, that the sound of Totem mirrors that of Flamengo in Czechoslovakia. These are bands that seemingly inherited traits of obscure UK bands such as Tonton Macoute and Raw Material, and infused those with indigenous elements, to make for an historically superb album. Of course, it's highly unlikely that Totem would even be aware of obscure albums on the Neon and Transatlantic labels, but rather they drew a similar musical conclusion, based on psychedelic, jazz, hard rock, and bossa nova to create their own recipe of progressive rock. Totem mixes long form jazz with funky rhythms, song based romantic ballads, complex sax and flute driven prog, and Latin Rock with biting psychedelic fuzz guitar, for a truly compelling mix. The best track is saved for last - the moody and lengthy 'Caspita'. I'd place Totem comfortably in the collection near fellow countrymen Psiglo, Som Imaginario (Brazil), and Los Baroccos (Argentina). Don't miss this one.
Ownership: CD: 1998 Posdata. Jewel case. Simple booklet with recording details. Features two bonus tracks, one 'Mi Pueblo' taken from a 1972 single, and the other 'Orejas', performed by Mario "Chicito" Cabral, originally released on the album La Tocata. Part of the 30 years of Uruguayan Music series.
The original LP, the reissue LP, and the one cassette are quite rare. Even this CD is getting expensive.
2006 (first listen); 11/5/16 (review / new entry); 7/12/24
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