By Mark Elliot
Track 1 “Sensacoes Diversas” starts off with a fantastic instrumental section which doffs a bow to Genesis’ Nursery Crime/ Foxtrot era. But don’t let this cloud your judgment, as the playing and construction is fantastic. Then the vocals start and blow me – it’s all in Spanish! Instantly, I thought this was a bit odd but, hey, it doesn’t bother me and moreover it’s my problem that I can’t speak their wonderful language. If I could then I would get much more out of this album. The track goes through lots of different mood changes and while it’s nothing totally original, it is superbly performed.
Track 2 “Buscando Algo De Novo” continues where the previous track left off with a wonderfully quirky guitar and keyboard riff into a very passionate sounding vocal. Very 16th century approach to this track with some superb drumming and guitar. The keyboard solo section is great with just a hint of “The Colony of Slippermen” but superb nevertheless.
Track 3 ” Conflictantes Paranoias” is a masterpiece with each section extremely well played and the mix of vintage and modern sounds are a delight to the ears. The musicianship is really first rate and the piano section in the middle of this number ranks up there with the best of masseurs Banks and Wakeman. You can hear the latin influence mostly in the guitar playing and this really adds something to the standard Prog formula. The second section has a wonderful play out with both guitar and keys taking turns to take the lead. Lots of energy and feeling here.
Track 4 “Ventos Do Passado” starts with just about the most beautiful acoustic guitar playing you could possibly imagine. The piano and vocal harmonies complement perfectly the wonderful playing. The track takes a darker turn in the middle; I can only suppose this reflects in the lyrics. It’s a real shame I can’t understand Spanish. If there was one thing that would incite me to take up a different language then this album is it.
Spin XXI are really worth a listen. Yes, it’s a bit obviously Genesis 1970-74 but they have taken that sound to a completely new level with first rate performances from all the musicians and Figueiredo Kakao’s vocal performance is worthy of any prog album.
What this band has achieved in 42 minutes is pure passion, energy and first rate skill both in musicianship and songwriting. Their music never tires and the amount of ideas they have managed to compact into such a small space of time is quite honestly staggering. They have got it right whereas some other bands only get bits right. Fantastic CD. One of the best I’ve reviewed.