|
::
REVIEW ::
A couple of years ago I discovered a gem of an album: Childhood's End by a
Venezuelan band called Tempano. As with most prog bands, these guys have existed for
a long, long time, and have, mostly out of stubbornness' and true love of music,
persevered in spite of a mainstream which is increasingly hostile to music which is
not easy to "package for mass consumption".
 This latest release is absolutely superb. All the musicianship of the 2000 release
is still there, but the band is pushing and exploring new boundaries with their
unique, mostly instrumental approach on this release. The vocals, when they do make
an appearance, are always convincing and serve to enhance the musical passage. This
is a Tempano trademark, which I happen to really like: at times, the vocals seem to
be more of an arrangement than the main basis of the composition, but they work! The
rhythm section continues to play seamless, imaginative and highly melodic passages
that complement the music perfectly, supporting the constant counterpoint between
the guitars and keyboards. It's hard to describe this, but you'll discover many nice
details upon repeated listens.
The album seems to be inspired by the life and works of none other than
Michelangelo, but fear not, for this is no rehash of Trent Gardner's "Leonardo". The
CD is beautifully packaged, featuring the artwork of Sandro Bassi who has taken many
interesting "turns and twists" (pardon the pun) on some of the master's creations.
Overall, this has got to be one of the best releases of 2002. Bernard and the crew
at MUSEA really deserve kudos for making music of this craftsmanship available to
all (and I am still kicking myself in the ass for having missed them at Progday in
North Carolina).
You folks should sample the Venezuelan Icicle, because this is truly awesome stuff.
An absolute must buy. Don't believe me? Go to their webpage and check out their
soundbytes. You simply can't go wrong here.
Rating: 9.5 keyboards
Reviewer: Luis Nasser
Visit the artist website:
Tempano
:: CREDITS ::
All music: by Castillo, Noce, Echevarrenta, Ubieda, & Landaeta.
All lyrics: by Alexis Lope-Bello, except 14: by Castillo.
Guest musicians:
Huascar Barradas - flutes (on 13)
Marcella Mosca - Italian voices (on 2, 3, & 7)
Produced by Alexis Lope-Bello, G. Landaeta, & Tempano.
Engineered by G. Landaeta at "Sonodosmil" studio, Caracas.
Mastered by Bernie Grundman in Hollywood.
:: DISCOGRAPHY ::
Atabal - Yemal 1980 / 1998
Childhood's End - 2000
The Agony & the Ecstasy - 2002
You can purchase this CD at
 |
