Label info: "First volume of the collection with which 5 Lunas has set out to show the general public and especially abroad the progressive rock that has been and is being made in our country with established bands and other more unreleased ones from all over Spain. This volume of «Progressive Rock Side Of Five Moons» has been meticulously studied to explore the deepest and least known facets of progressive rock in Spain. From historical recordings to never-before-released tracks from iconic and emerging bands, this collection is designed not only to capture the attention of die-hard fans, but also to attract new listeners within the international scene." Well, for me as an aficionado of Spanish progressive rock, and in particular Rock Andaluz, I am very pleased with this collection, at this moment featuring Volume 1,2,3 and 4, this review is about Volume 1. Although I am very much into Spanish prog I am not familiar with most of the bands, I only know the name of legendary Antonio Smash, and the bands Amoeba Split, Kotebel and Goma. The level of the bands is good, and the variety incredible, remarkably almost every song is instrumental. Vintage prog with the distinctive Theremin, Hammond organ and synthesizer in a slow rhythm by Gintonic. Canterbury featuring powerful brass/woodwind by Amoeba Split. Jazzrock by Enredo (swinging and strong interplay), Antonio Smash (excellent musicians and a Rock Andaluz flavour), Angel Ontalva (guitar/saxophone) and Pedro Terán (swinging with powerful guitar and catchy electric piano play). Avant-garde/experimental by Piel De Canto (King Crimson-like fiery guitar, powerful drums and sequencer like sound). Sixties sound by Turdetans (Mellotron flute and dreamy English vocals), Triunvirato (rock guitar and powerful rhythm-section, strong Cream hints) and Goma (swinging rhythm-guitar and fiery guitar runs). The other bands are Al.Ma Project (electric piano and Mellotron, moving guitar, halfway and accellaration with powerful guitar, a splendid rhythm-section, finally a part with Mellotron), Urban Trapeze (slow rhythm with moving guitar and an organ solo), Eduardo Moreno (a slow rhythm featuring a sensitive and howling electric guitar solo), Kotebel (soaring strings and piano, then moving guitar, in an ominous climate) and Trac (a mellow climate with dreamy vocals and sensitive electric guitar). If you want to discover the lesser - and unknown Spanish prog this is an interesting project to discover. ***+ Erik Neuteboom (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
