In the early 2000s there were a number of exciting bands coming from the southern cone of South America. One of the best of those groups was Chile's Mar de Robles. Their debut is an amalgamation of various complex progressive rock forms to make for a fascinating listen. Right from the get go, after the theme setting sound collage, Mar De Robles introduces us to a half a dozen different types of prog within the opening seconds. Imagine a cross between Bubu and a Spanish singing Deus Ex Machina. This is dense, busy, but ultimately warm music. The woodwinds of flute and sax make the difference here. The guitar is a mix of heavy psychedelic, melodic progressive, and occasional metal. Other guideposts include the indigenous sounds of Los Jaivas, the next generation of that sound as represented by Flor de Loto, and even the obscure American group Atavism of Twilight, considering the flute lead. An excellent album throughout that landed a +1 listen for me last night.
Ownership: CD: 2003 Mylodon. Jewel case release with fold out booklet. Purchased in 2005. This remains the only pressing of the album.
7//05; 10/9/23 (new entry)
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