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Ficcion - Sobre el Abismo

Comments:
I started to like Sobre el Abismo...until the vocalist opened his mouth! As a 1970s Venezuelen prog rock band, Ficcion were not known to exist. Thanks to the research work from the French prog label Musea, collectors will be able to add this band to their collection. Instrumentally, these guys were good. We find a three-piece band, influenced by ELP, offer Hammond and Moog-based symphonic prog with a strong Latin American sound. The music isn't on par with groups like Fusioon from Spain, or Le Orme from Italy, but Ficcion are okay. Their music reminds me mostly of the 80s Mexican prog scene. Unfortunately, and like I've mentioned before about countless other prog bands, the vocals are rather mediocre. They are either flat and lifeless, or completely out-of-tune. I'm not sure why great musicians who carefully record complex instrumental music insist on leaving mediocre vocals on their final product. Anyway, if you can overcome that fact, and enjoy collecting rare South American prog CDs, then Ficcion should be kept in mind.

Year: 1979 to 1986
Compositions: 7/10
Vocals(in Spanish): 7/10
Recording Quality: 9/10


Webpage:
Musea

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Tempano - Atabal Yemal

 

Comments:
Tempano released their debut album back in 1979, and became one of Venezuela's first progressive rock band. Although, after listening to the tracks from the original album, I would have never guessed that Atabal Yemal came out in the late seventies. The music here features tones that have more in common with the late-80s prog scene. This is mostly due to the use of early digital synths, and modern guitar sounds, but the band also seemed more interested in exploring new textures rather than copying the early 70s prog sound. Passages throughout the album strive for a certain beauty and mellow atmosphere. The CD is mostly instrumental, but there are a few vocals tracks which might not appeal to all prog collectors. Some of the vocals here tend to give the otherwise progressive sound a commercial quality that might remind the listener of many neo-prog bands. Three bonus tracks have been added, and are quite impressive. They continue to explore the atmosphere of the original album, while adding stronger compositional ideas. Overall, if you love South American prog, Atabal Yemal is a great album to add to your collection.

Compositions: 8/10
Vocals(in Spanish): 8/10
Recording Quality: 9/10


Webpage:
Tempano

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