Probably only a few lovers of progressive rock know the band Luz De Riada. Therefore opening the history book of this Mexican band is needed. Luz De Riada (Flood's light) is a contemporary fusion music band (jazz-rock-folk) founded in july 2010 by Ramses Luna. A multi-instrumentalist and former member of Cabezas de Cera. So far the band has released three albums. Namely Cuentos y Fábulas (Tales And Fables), Vol. I, II and III, issued in 2011,2013 and 2016 respectively. The band has performed in various concert halls and festivals throughout Mexico, USA, Chile and Argentina. After a hiatus since their last studio album in 2016, the band is back with an exciting new line up and a brand new studio album. Titled Rizoma. The members in the band that recorded the album are the earlier mentioned Ramses Luna (saxophone, flute, lyricon, vocals), Edgar Arrellin (sound), Sergio Aldama (drums & percussion) and Luis Nasser (bass). They got some extra guests on board to help them out on several tracks. People such as the well known drummers Pat Mastelotto and Mattias Olsson. And guitarist Enoc Jimenez who played on three tracks.. The album title carries a dual meaning: in biology, it refers to "a form of root that can generate wholly, even from a small piece," as explained by bass guitarist Luis Nasser. In the realms of psychology and philosophy, 'Rizoma' refers to "the structure of ideas in the form of a network (neural or the internet) that can reconnect in multiple ways rather than a top to bottom hierarchy," Nasser adds. Music wise the band goes into musical territories which not everybody likes. The ten compositions are mainly instrumentals with occasional vocals in the Spanish language. The music is rather experimental and probably composed while jamming together at their rehearsal room. Influences from several musical styles are notable throughout the entire album. It's a mix of progressive rock, rock, jazz, fusion, Latin and folk. Luna is the most dominant person with his instruments. He comes up with many solos performed on his saxophone, flute and lyricon. The rhythm section gives him all the room he needs to do his musical parts. They set up a basis on which Ramses can freely do his own musical things. The musical influences are obvious when you listen to the entire album. King Crimson with albums such as The ConstruKction Of light, The ProjeKcts, THRAK and Thrakattak. Stick Men and O.R.k might also have been an influence. But also several King Crimson-related bands such as the ProjeKcts and the Crimson ProjeKct. But also people such as Markus Reuter, Trey Gunn and the earlier mentioned Pat Mastelotto might have been an influence to the band as well. If you are into this kind of music this release is certainly recommended to you without any doubt. Otherwise listen to their music on the internet. I guess YouTube and the bands Bandcamp page might help you all the way. You might like it as much as I did! *** Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
