Vulcano (Index, 2004)

Do you like vintage sounds and dynamic prog instrumentals? If you do, here you are the opening track of the album "Identitade". This is by an excellent Brazilian band called Index and actually this music brings me back to the good ol' prog days. Nonetheless, there are many original touches in "Vulcano" I'd like to stress here. 

 

With "Identitade", Index released their third studio work.

The symphonic parts are cleverly mixed with some jazzy influences and in the melodic sections it seems to me like Genesis met Camel somehow, somewhere. These four musicians are excellent: the guitar and keyboard solos can't hide the puzzling rythm section work. No time for useless embroideries: all passages, even the richest ones, are aimed to a coherent and enjoyable plot, an exciting and never self-indulgent architecture. Try it, my prog friends, I'm sure you'll like it.

Index II (Index, 2004)

Index are a very interesting Symphonic rock band from Brazil, as this suite, coming from the album "Identidade", likely will prove. Leaded by guitarist Jones Junior of Quaterna Réquiem fame, and keyboardist Otaviano Kury, those musicians like a vintage prog full of Hammond and Mellotron, but also dreamy guitar solos, flutes and a very good rythm section. All this track - split into four parts -  is equally divided between this lovefor the past heroes and a genuine quest for intricate plots and inner landscapes.

"Identidade" is the band's third studio album. 

Some passages are actually excellent, like the bass guitar solo starting around minute 9:10 or the following wall of sound graciously introduced by the flute. Everything is as it used to be, but there's that special freshness coming from Youth conviction and that bright taste springing out of the pleasure they enjoy by playing their music. A good trip into a past era we all love.