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Peru,
the land of Machu Picchu, the Incas, the rainforest, lake Titicaca, the
nuevo Sol and the centavos, the coca, the Andes, El condor pasa….
The
musical image we usually create by hearing the name Peru is that of a
group of five musicians in traditional clothing with instruments like
the drum, the charango guitar and obviously the panfluut.
It
is, at least, pleasantly surprising to hear that progressive rock is
very much alive in these regions. (A country 40 times the size of
Belgium, but only 2.4 times the population)!
One
of the pioneers, undoubtedly, is Frágil; a prog-rock-formation with a
leading role since 1976. The name of the band was based on the album
Fragile, from their idols Yes. Add this to their other musical
interests: Genesis, Jethro Tull, the Nice, Emmerson, Lake and Palmer,…
This gives you a good idea of what to expect. In the 25 years of the
group’s existence, they obtained a certain popularity, which results in
this live-album (Movil Record / Musea records). Actually it is the live
version of their first album Avenico Larco from 1981 (Pantel),
re-recorded in 1999 (Rock Symphony label from Brazil). A huge project,
because it is recorded with a big Philharmonic orchestra from Lima!
The
instrumental opening “Obertura” (obvious) is impressive. A ‘grand
opening’, up-tempo, nice drums, a bit Rick Wakeman/IQ style, but more
sober and, in between, a guitar solo as an intermezzo. The changes in
tempo and balance between band and orchestra are not completely perfect
but sound promising.
Acknowledgement comes with “Avenico Larco”, a good song, Mecano stylisch,
with a catchy chorus. The guitar solo in the middle weakens the song a
bit, and the Spanish language sounds a bit strange, but even so, this
does not spoil the fun. Track nr 3 “Mundo Raro” even gives me the
shivers. A magnificent ballad; sung by the complete audience (and a bit
later even by myself).
“Pastras presas y otros postres” is a less good song, too speedily sung
and an orchestra trying too hard to get on top. “Lizy” is, on the
contrary, again a beautiful song. A new-age tinted track with German
flute as a central instrument, which gives the song a high
“introspection” from Thijs van Leer impression. Nice!
“Esto
es iluminacion” is a good pop-song, no more, no less, Mecano-stylish
with an arrangement like “Journey to the centre of the earth” from Rick
Wakeman. “Oda al fulipan” starts in pure prog-style, very bright, with
nice synths, but, here also, the orchestra is too hard on top. For a
moment I made a comparison with Marco Borsato . Anyway, nice prog.
“El
caiman” is also a sing-along song like track number 3, with Camel
German flute, but without the same magic. In the middle of the song the
tempo goes up a bit and the sax plays a leading role.
“Le
dicen rock” has a more heavy rock start but the orchestra makes it
smoother. The leading vocal has a certain similarity with Robert Plant
(Led zeppelin). The song suddenly changes in an unexpected way and I
recognize the horns from “Seven horses in the sky” from The Pebbles. The
original song is better. “El ‘abuelo” is overflowing. A computer voice
tells a 1’48” duration story but, unfortunately, my knowledge of the
Spanish language is so limited; just enough that I am able to order a
beer. But maybe it is the perfect intro to “Animales”, an up-tempo pop
song with a fat keyboard on the base, powerful lead vocal and ditto
guitar solo.
“Caras” is a normal plain rock song. Not very exciting, rather simple,
no more, no less. “Fotogama” is the first of the two “new” studio tracks
on the album. A pop song with a little bit of prog in it. And, finally,
the song “Sorpresa del tiempo” , the title track of the album, again, a
studio recording. It begins as a ballad but soon changes into a pure
Jethro Tull song. At the end, it turns into a ballad again.
My
conclusion: “Sorpresa del tiempo” from Frágil isn’t the best album
ever. The music styles change a lot, the orchestra is a little
overenthusiastic, the vocals and the guitar solo’s are sometimes a
little thin. The use of Spanish is a little bit too much ( which, I
mean, you have to get used to it), but, anyhow, I find this album
certainly attractive. After hearing it a few times, I found out what
makes this group so popular. Pop – Rock music with a certain prog in it,
mainly thanks to the drums and keyboards. You get the impression that
you have heard it somewhere before (in a positive way). An orchestra
giving the symphonic parts of the album more power, the “charm” of the
Spanish language is, let’s say, a positive experience and a nice and
unexpected acquaintance. |
