Mar de Robles - MdR. 2003 Chile

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)

Mar de Robles - Indigena. 2007 Chile

From the opening notes of 'Chucaro', one could be fooled that Mar de Robles' sophomore effort is to be some kind of Dream Theater like instrumental prog metal album. And while that element remains present throughout, there's also a strong fusion element at play here, with the addition of sax (lightly used) and ripping electric guitar solos and complex meters. In addition to that - and where the real separation comes for Mar de Robles - is the incorporation of the indigenous landscape of South America. Rain sticks, tribal percussion, and a plethora of sights and sounds are then added with that patented "European Warm Progressive Rock" style including soft flute and beautiful melodies. I find Mar De Robles to be a unique group operating on otherwise familiar terrain. They're not as inward looking as Peru's Flor de Loto, or some metal mutation of Los Jaivas, nor are they some generic bland instrumental prog metal unit looking to show off their chops. They are a fusion metal folk prog hybrid unlike any other. Well worth seeking out if looking for something different in an all too crowded field.

Ownership: 2007 Mylodon (CD). Acquired in 2007.

4/23/07; 9/14/17 (review)