Record Reviews

EXSIMIO ~ EXSIMIO MYLODON 001 ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1999 Released: 2002 1st album by the sensational Chilean Prog group ExsimioFind albums by this artist, which features a double lead guitar lineup, reminiscent of Djam KaretFind albums by this artist and late King CrimsonFind albums by this artist. The virtuosi guitar performances and the exceptional music, full of unexpected rhythm changes, twists and turns played at neck-breaking speed is absolutely overwhelming. This is undoubtedly on of the finest debut albums recorded in the last decade. Musically Exsimio are close to the RIO movement, combining rock and jazz elements, but their contributions are truly unique and unparalleled by any other contemporary band. This album should appeal to quite a large Prog audience, be it guitar aficionados, RIO fans and of course all Chilean Prog lovers – an absolute must. Their second album Carbono 14Find albums with this title, for which we had to wait almost 6 years, is a brilliant follow up to this album and one not be missed as well.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AKINETÓN RETARD ~ AKRANANIA MYLODON 004 (Barcode: 7898217280727) ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 2nd album by the Chilean Avant-Prog / RIO band Akinetón RetardFind albums by this artist and a formidable successor to their breathtaking debut album. There is no doubt about Akinetón Retard being one of the most interesting new bands on the Prog / RIO scene and their extraordinary music bringing a hurricane of fresh ideas and approaches. It is extremely difficult to describe their music in words – it is often described as something in between Johnn ColtraneFind albums by this artist and Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, which is one way of looking at it. The band is a sextet and it includes two saxophonists, which contribute the jazzy aspects. The rest of the band (guitar, bass, drums and percussion) is the rocky counterpart, but the music is of course neither jazz nor rock, as with most RIO bands. The compositions are devilishly complex and quirky, switching tempos and rhythms at breathtaking paste. Rather than trying to describe this music in more detail, let me just say this is essential stuff for anybody who likes adventurous and challenging music.

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

TRYO ~ CRUDO MYLODON 007 ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1997 - 1998 Released: 1998 2nd album by the Chilean Prog band TryoFind albums by this artist, which is considered as one of the most interesting South American groups. Tryo are in fact two distinct entities in one – an electric trio (guitar / bass / drums) and an acoustic trio (acoustic guitar / cello / percussion), playing two quite distant types of music. The electric version plays superb complex music fairly similar to late King CrimsonFind albums by this artist or the Swedish band AnekdotenFind albums by this artist. Heavy, somewhat distorted guitar and odd rhythm patters are the main characteristics. In complete contrast the acoustic version plays serene, delicate music, complex as well but melancholic and subdued, somewhat similar to OregonFind albums by this artist or another Swedish band Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist. On this album the electric trio is documented performing live, while the acoustic trio provides a set of studio recorded tracks, which constitute the second part of the album. This is music of the highest caliber, not easy listening but a highly rewarding musical experience. Highly recommended.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MATRAZ ~ TIEMPO MYLODON 012 (Barcode: 3426300045768) ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1999 - 2000 Released: 2004 1st album by Chilean Prog group MatrazFind albums by this artist led by keyboards player Diego AburtoFind albums by this artist and guitarist Claudio CorderoFind albums by this artist. With Marcelo StuardoFind albums by this artist on drums and Inti OyarzúnFind albums by this artist on bass the group plays a fantastic mix of Symphonic Prog and Prog Metal a la Dream TheaterFind albums by this artist. Using the keyboards and the guitar as two musically opposite focal points, they manage to balance and combine the melodic themes and the neck-breaking guitar solos into an organic whole. The album includes three lengthy suites, all over 10 minutes long, which seem to be an ideal vehicle for the instrumental improvisations. The vocals (in Spanish) are brief and play a marginal role. All together this is stunning debut with many promises for the future releases considering the talent and the energy these young musicians possess. Lovers of Chilean Prog don’t need any convincing to leap into this music, and the ones not familiar with the country’s musical wealth should definitely give them a try.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AKINETÓN RETARD ~ 21 CANAPÉS MYLODON 014 (Barcode: 4011222210258) ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1998 - 2003 Released: 2003 3rd album by the sensational Prog / RIO band from Chile Akinetón RetardFind albums by this artist. Quite an unusual album (even for them) as it collects (as the title suggests) 21 short pieces of music, most between 1 and 2 minutes long, which were originally written as background music for 3 theatre performances staged in 1998, 1999 and 2003. It is not stated on the album if the music was recorded at these respective dates (I assume so) or is a re-recording of all these pieces done in 2003 (there is one additional piece dated 2000). Regardless of this little confusion, the music is overall absolutely brilliant, as is everything else they ever recorded. The jazz undertones created by the two sax players in the group and the unusual melody lines take the listener to uncharted territory, which is always a good thing. The earlier influences of King CrimsonFind albums by this artist and Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist are less evident here, which means the group arrived at a point where they have their own unique tonal language well in place. The album differs also from their other output by being more acoustic (using guest musicians playing violin and cello or even vocals for example) and atmospheric at times, which is surely a result of the music being written for theatre. If one disregards all the background information, this album can be regarded as a beautiful example of contemporary “minimal music”, as good as anything created earlier in this genre. Essentially brilliant!

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

TRYO ~ PATRIMONIO MYLODON 016 (Barcode: 3426300045904) ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1998 - 1999 Released: 2005 3rd album by the superb Chilean Prog band TryoFind albums by this artist. As usual, it includes both the electric and the acoustic version of the band, performing the highly complex music, which is their forte. The music sound is somewhat similar to the output of several modern RIO groups, but always distinctly theirs. This album presents the electric and acoustic tracks intertwined, with no clear separation between them. The overall effect is quite stunning and presents an excellent example of how challenging and fulfilling Prog can be, when played by the best representatives of the genre. A must for any serious Prog-head.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

BANDHADA ~ BANDHADA MYLODON 021 (Barcode: 3426300045782) ~ CHILE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1984 Released: 2004 Only album by the excellent Chilean Jazz-Rock group BandhadaFind albums by this artist, which was active on the local scene in the early 1980s and unfortunately managed to record only one brilliant album. The instrumental music played by the band resembles the sound of early Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist, especially due to the excellent flute parts played by Juan Carlos NeumannFind albums by this artist, which remind me of Joe FarrellFind albums by this artist’s exquisite playing. The electric piano and synthesizer played by Alfonso FeeleyFind albums by this artist and the pulsating bass played by Felipe ClarkFind albums by this artist also remind Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist respectively. Carlos ChungFind albums by this artist on guitar and Juan CoderchFind albums by this artist on drums compliment the quintet’s lineup, both contributing their excellent input. The music is superb, with splendid melodies and quite complex rhythm changes, with plenty of space for individual improvisations. This reissue includes two live tracks in addition to the original album. People who like early Jazz-Rock and a great sense of melody should enjoy this album immensely.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SUPAY ~ CONFUSION MYLODON 022 (Barcode: 3426300046345) ~ PERU ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2006 1st album by SupayFind albums by this artist, a very interesting Prog band form Peru. The band includes the usual guitar / keyboards / bass / drums lineup but this is supplemented by two woodwind players who play a myriad of traditional Andean instruments like quena, quenacho, zampona, bastos, tarca, toyo, maltas and chachas – if these names mean nothing to you, they are different kinds of Andean flutes. The overall sound is pretty impressive and the all-instrumental music exhibits a superb amalgam of Prog and ethnic elements. The seven compositions present here are quite different from each other and there is no danger of boredom on the horizon. This is a very impressive debut indeed, which will hopefully be followed by a new release soon. Recommended to all Prog lovers, who are open enough to step outside the symphonic MOR.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

EVOLUCION ~ LA ERA DE PISCIS MYLODON 025 (Barcode: 3426300045850) ~ CHILE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1982 - 1986 Released: 2005 1st album by the excellent Chilean Prog / Fusion group EvolucionFind albums by this artist, which was active on the local scene since the early 1980s, but somehow never managed to release an album over the years. Only about 20 years later the Chilean Prog label MylodonFind albums on this label released their debut album, which collects their recordings from the 1980s. Formed in 1982 by keyboards player Pedro MoñozFind albums by this artist (who at this time was already a veteran on the local scene), the band went through several personnel changes over the years, gradually changing their style from instrumental Symphonic Prog to Fusion. The band members were all seasoned musicians with excellent instrumental abilities and Moñoz (who writes all the music) is an excellent composer, who is able to produce beautifully melodic themes on which the band members improvise. This album presents two lineups of the group: one from 1982-83 and the other from 1984-86 (which included a superb guitar player John ClarkFind albums by this artist). By the time the second lineup recorded their material, the group almost entirely left the Prog material behind and moved into Fusion. Fusion fans, who love Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist or Colosseum IIFind albums by this artist, will definitely enjoy this stuff immensely.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

TRYO ~ VIAJES MYLODON 030 ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 - 2005 Released: 2005 5th album by the Chilean Prog band TryoFind albums by this artist, a magnificent opus of contemporary music performed entirely by the acoustic version of the band. Acoustic guitar, cello and a plethora of percussion instruments create a serene, somewhat melancholic mood, which suits the compositions perfectly. The cello is featured as the front instrument on most pieces (strongly reminiscent of the early albums by the Hungarian band After CryingFind albums by this artist) with marimba and vibes providing the harmonics. This is heartbreakingly beautiful music worthy of repeated listening sessions in a variety of moods. It absolutely touches the soul of every sensitive person and I am enchanted, delighted and deeply moved by this music every time I listen to it. Essential!

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

AISLES ~ THE YEARNING MYLODON 031 (Barcode: 3426300045843) ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 1st album by the excellent Chilean Prog group AislesFind albums by this artist, which is active on the local scene since the early 2000s. The band includes three brothers: Sebastián VergaraFind albums by this artist (lead vocals), Germán VergaraFind albums by this artist (guitars) and Luis VergaraFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and two non-family members Rodrigo SepulvedaFind albums by this artist (guitars) and Alejandro MeléndezFind albums by this artist (keyboards). The band plays classic Symphonic Prog, firmly based on the YesFind albums by this artist, GenesisFind albums by this artist and MarillionFind albums by this artist tradition and sounding as good as any of these bands with no inferiority complex whatsoever. The vocals (in English) have very little traces of foreign accent, and are of excellent quality, expressive and dramatic, somewhat reminiscent of Marillion’s front men FishFind albums by this artist. The album is full of well-developed musical themes, beautifully played and sung, with two tracks over 10 minutes long. Every fan of melodic Symphonic Prog around the globe will surely enjoy this great debut album with no reservations, eagerly awaiting the follow up.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

EXSIMIO ~ CARBONO 14 MYLODON 034 (Barcode: 3426300046116) ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 2nd album by the excellent Chilean Prog band ExsimioFind albums by this artist. Clearly influenced by 1990s King CrimsonFind albums by this artist, the band features two lead guitarists, which of course makes plenty of room for guitar pyrotechnics and interplay. Some Djam KaretFind albums by this artist guitar duels also come to mind, as do some of the RIO bands. Most of the tunes are pretty up-tempo, with multiple rhythm changes and quirky beats. All together this is pretty amazing and brilliant stuff, well ahead of most present-day Prog material, which proves again that Chilean Prog, with groups like TryoFind albums by this artist and Akinetón RetardFind albums by this artist, is well in the lead of the contemporary Prog scene. I can’t imagine any KC fan not wanting this beauty in his collection and I warmly recommend checking this group and this album out.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

NICOLÁS FIGUEROA ~ KO MYLODON 036 ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 An ambitious concept album by Chilean guitarist and composer Nicolás FigueroaFind albums by this artist about the element of water (“Ko” being the vocal representation of water). With a help of many guest musicians he produced a continuous set of melodies (mostly instrumental with a few vocal parts), which are very melodic and interesting. Stylistically the music is a blend of Prog and Fusion, with plenty of solo guitar parts. Sounds of streaming water connect the tracks together, forming one continuous musical flow, sometimes resembling ambient albums done in similar vein. This release proves again that Chile is consistently becoming an important source of excellent South American music with groups like TryoFind albums by this artist and Akinetón RetardFind albums by this artist leading the way.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

OPUS 3 ~ OPUS 3 MYLODON 039 (Barcode: 3426300046765) ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 1st album by Chilean power trio (guitar / bass / drums) Opus 3Find albums by this artist. They play a highly energetic music, which is very difficult to categorize with traces of Heavy Metal and RIO, all mixed together into a completely unique musical approach. The bass player Francisco de BorjaFind albums by this artist, who seems to be the driving force behind the group, composed all the music. His excellent bass lines provide the vehicle for the manic guitar frontline. This is obviously a kind of music that is supposed to be played loud (to hell with the neighbors) and enjoyed to the max. My first impression was “The ShadowsFind albums by this artist on speed”, but of course that only means something to people who know who The Shadows were. Very strong debut and these young musicians might surprise us all again with their next album.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

EVOLUCION ~ UMBRALES MYLODON 040 (Barcode: 3426300046413) ~ CHILE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 2nd album by the excellent Chilean Prog and Fusion band EvolucionFind albums by this artist. Active sine the early 1980s, Evolucion started as a Prog band and played music based on the genre’s classic period. For many years they didn’t manage to record an album and it took 20 years to get their debut out, which collects their recorded output in the 1980s. This album is however completely new, presenting the current lineup of the band and an almost complete change of style from Prog to Fusion. The level of musicianship displayed by the band is truly astounding, especially the virtuoso guitar player Fernando BravoFind albums by this artist, who could be very easily mistaken as being Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist in the flesh. The all-instrumental music is very good as well, mostly up-tempo but a couple of beautifully melodic ballads sneak in as well. A superb Fusion album which should be thoroughly enjoyed by any fan of the genre.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

PLATURNO ~ NÚCLEOS MYLODON 043 ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 1st album by Chilean Prog / Fusion band PlaturnoFind albums by this artist, a guitar / keyboards / drums trio led by guitarist Felipe RiveraFind albums by this artist. Together with a couple of guest musicians (bass & violin) they present a mostly instrumental debut album of great strength and surprising musical ideas. The guitar contributes a distinctive Fusion feel, but the use of keyboards is very original and rather than play melody they provides sonic layers which are more atmospheric than melodic, resembling Space Rock. The overall effect is very unusual and considering most of the music is kept in low tempo, it sounds like an imaginary soundtrack, all truly captivating and often hypnotic. Some traces of King CrimsonFind albums by this artist influence can be found (typical of almost all Chilean bands), but this is undoubtedly their very individual statement. Considering this is their debut effort, they are certainly something to look out for in the future. Here is one more band from Chile, which certainly seems to be a place where things are happening in music in the 21st Century. Warmly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

SENOGUL ~ SENOGUL MYLODON 049 (Barcode: 3426300047038) ~ SPAIN ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2005 - 2006 Released: 2007 1st album by young Spanish Prog band SenogulFind albums by this artist, an instrumental quintet fronted by two lead guitarists Pedro MenchacaFind albums by this artist and Israel SánchezFind albums by this artist, with Eduardo SalueñaFind albums by this artist on keyboards, Pablo CanalisFind albums by this artist on bass and Alex ValeroFind albums by this artist on drums. The band plays a stunning set of self-composed material, full of long improvised passages with quirky rhythm changes and interchanging themes. A long list of guest musicians enhances the band’s sound with a variety of additional instrumentation, such as saxophones, flutes and even a whole choir on one of the tracks. The music is completely original but if parallels have to be drawn, Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist, Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and some of the RIO bands come to mind. The music however manages to keep strong melodic character at all times, in spite of the extensive improvisations. It is truly heartwarming to hear such excellent music being made these days, contrary to the sea of boredom dominating the dwindling music market. Highly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

FLOR DE LOTO ~ MADRE TIERRA MYLODON 050 (Barcode: 3426300047045) ~ PERU ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 2nd album by excellent Peruvian Prog band Flor De LotoFind albums by this artist, led by flautist Johnny PérezFind albums by this artist and guitarist Alonso HerreraFind albums by this artist, both of whom also write all the music. The quartet also includes bassist Alejandro JarrinFind albums by this artist and drummer Jorge PucciniFind albums by this artist. Following the footsteps set by their stunning eponymous debut album, the band delivers again a set of beautiful melodic tunes, kept in the tradition of the 1970s Prog and naturally bringing warm memories of bands like Jethro TullFind albums by this artist and FocusFind albums by this artist. Is spite of the past influences, the band is completely original and up to date, combining the Prog tendencies with their native Andean music in a most sophisticated fashion. Only three of the ten tunes include vocals with the band concentrating on their splendid instrumental work. Listening to this album is a truly uplifting experience, with immediate craving for their next release. Of course the fact that they come from Peru only adds to the impression that the most interesting Prog in the 21st Century seems to be happening in South America. Most warmly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MAR DE ROBLES ~ INDIGENA MYLODON 051 (Barcode: 3426300047021) ~ CHILE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 2nd album by excellent Chilean Prog / Fusion band Mar De RoblesFind albums by this artist, which joins the ranks of other exceptional Chilean bands like TryoFind albums by this artist and Akinetón RetardFind albums by this artist in establishing Chile as a major source of truly excellent music. The quintet includes Julio TobarFind albums by this artist – saxophone & flute, Cristián LarrondoFind albums by this artist – Chapman stick & bass, Rodrigo MorisFind albums by this artist – guitar, Jesús ParadaFind albums by this artist – drums and Ignacio LarrondoFind albums by this artist – percussion. Following the footsteps set by their stunning eponymous debut album, the band delivers again a set of highly energetic mostly instrumental pieces, brilliantly composed and performed. Extensive improvisations and quirky rhythm changes are the predominant characteristics of the music, which engulfs the listener completely. Some traces of late King CrimsonFind albums by this artist are evident (as seems to be the case with almost all Chilean bands) but these are just stylistic traces – the music is completely original and quite stunning. It seems that these young musicians are determined to take the best from the Prog / Fusion tradition and enhance it further, to the delight of music lovers like myself. Amazing stuff – a must!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend