For over 20 years, I had misinterpreted Som Imaginario's second album as the weak middle child. That awkward transition album from psychedelic to progressive rock. I was thinking of bands like The Mandrake Memorial or SRC. And, in particular, Italy's Formula 3 came to mind. But last night I heard the album completely different. I went 4 rounds with it, as I was caught off guard. Two straight hours of Som Imaginaro numero 2. It's a heavier album than their debut, and I was reminded more of Modulo 1000 - along with many Italian references, in particular Il Rovescio della Medaglia's La Bibbia and Il Balletto di Bronzo's Sirio 2222. Love the sinister Portuguese narration parts. The album closer 'A Nova Estrela' is brilliant heavy psych, exactly what you want from music of this era. Sure, there's still a bit of 60s pop left in them (especially A2), and their lame attempt at blues is best skipped over (B2). But otherwise, this album surpasses their debut in my estimation, which now puts me in the minority opinion. But I really do think their second album is more innovative and interesting on the whole.
Ownership: CD: 1997 EMI. Part of the Portfolio box set. You can find my thoughts about this package on the debut's post.
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