40 years later, they return with the followup album. Not a moment too soon. What's most interesting is that El Eco del Sol sounds every bit like a followup to the debut. So, yes, it could have been released in 1979. The first thought one might have here is, OK, then it must be a retro prog album right? Nope. And the reason for that is Anabelas is not a record that "dates" itself. What that means to my ears at least, is there isn't an overabundance of period instrumentation like Hammond organ, mellotron, or wah-wah fuzz guitar leads. Anabelas could have come out yesterday, and still sound contemporary. And so does El Eco del Sol.
What makes Bubu so special is their (or in reality chief composer and only original member Daniel Andreoli's) uncanny ability to mix complexity with melody and warmth. It's these latter two elements that is mostly missing in what is now known as "avant prog", a made up designation from the late 90s to distinguish a sound from what was more commonly known prior as RIO (Rock In Opposition, which was an event, not a movement as it were). This is not the cold, clinical, and angular sound that the style now calls for. And there are no free improvs or cartoonish bits to make it seem superficially fun.
All of this to say, there are no obvious comparisons for Anabelas, nor El Eco del Sol. But it's most certainly a breed of progressive rock. And with no less than 7 full participants, some guests, and a choir, the album is chock full of various sounds, all within a familiar context. Prominent melody instruments such as violin and flute go a long way in assisting with that feeling. And make no mistake, this album is rocking hard. The rhythm section is on fire, and the electric guitar can be fierce at times. There are some vocals in Spanish, which gives it a Mediterranean flare, similar to what we experience often in Italy. Every track is excellent, and a couple are exceptional, most notably the title song and the closer.
One of the best comebacks of our time. Don't miss it.
Ownership: CD: 2018 Viajero Inmovil
10/27/18 (new entry)
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