Search - Bubu :: Anabelas

South American prog rock doesn't get much better than this

BENJAMIN MILER | Veneta, Oregon | 07/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the 1970s, Argentina had quite a few progressive rock bands, to prove to everyone there's much more to that country than tango. Bubu was that example, who recorded an album called Anabelas in 1978 on EMI. Really, this is certainly one of the big highlights of Latin American prog rock, right up there with Espiritu's Crisalida, both albums from Crucis, the Pablo "El Enterrador" album from 1983 (all from Argentina), and Brazilian Bacamarte with Depois do Fim. The album consists of three extended cuts, one a side-length cut, the other two around the ten minute range. I have seen comparisons to King Crimson, Anglagard (although that band did not exist until the 1990s, of course), Magma, and RIO acts. They were a large band consisting of guitar, violin, sax, bass, and drums. There are some vocals in Spanish that work great, but the music is largely instrumental. Keyboards are minimal, but you won't miss them. The music is quite complex certain to please every adventurous proghead out there. You won't get too much in the way of Latin or tango influences (maybe the occasional violin passage was a bit tango-like), but what you get is progressive rock of the first order, regardless of country. This album really deserves to be in your collection!"

A fine album from this Argentinian prog band that is alterna

Jeffrey J.Park | Massachusetts, USA | 07/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music on this 1978 album by Argentinean proggers Bubu is apparently influenced by some of the Italian progressive rock bands as well as some of the English groups with more abrasive, avant-garde tendencies (Henry Cow/Van der graaf Generator/1970-1971 King Crimson etc.). That is, there is a nice mix of the pastoral and some pretty heavy, freaky passages, with very little in the way of traditional Argentinian folk music.



The musicians are all highly skilled and there is some great individual and ensemble playing. With the exception of tiny splashes of acoustic piano on Suenos de Maniqui, keyboards are largely absent. Instruments such as electric guitar, drums/percussion and bass guitar dominate, along with the textures of both string (violin) and woodwind (saxophone, flute) instruments. There are some excellent, classically-influenced parts placed at strategic points that balance the heavier, rock aspects out nicely (particularly on El Viaje de Anabelas). The saxophone work is, at times, reminiscent of the angular, jagged approach used by David Jackson (Van der graaf Generator) and the electric guitar playing ranges from ethereal to frenzied (with a heavily distorted tone). Although largely instrumental, pleasant individual vocal parts do turn up here and there during the quieter/pastoral sections, including some fairly interesting arrangements for three (or possibly four) voices. The three tracks on the album range in length from 9:18 to an epic 19:25.



This remastered version by EMI is pretty good and features restored cover art, good sound quality and a nice CD booklet that features photos of the group members and liner notes written by band member/principal composer Daniel Andreoli in 2007 (not in English).



All in all, this is a fine album of progressive rock from the Argentinian progressive scene with some avant-garde tendencies. I like my music with a bit of an edge, so I really enjoyed this album. Recommended to those folks that like the Italian bands Museo Rosenbach, Osanna, Semiramis and the English groups such as Van der graaf Generator."

This prog joy from an Argentinian collective really delivers

Mark Studden | Badminton UK | 09/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are fond of some King Crimson, a little Frank Zappa, perhaps a taste of Gentle Giant and other even more exotic fare, you'll marvel that this gem has passed so many of us by for the last three decades. It's complex, melodic, highly arranged stuff, with a distinctly orchestral feel to the arrangements. Think Zappa meets Stravinsky in places. There are rich textures, interesting instrumentation, good riffs and lots of fine ensemble playing. If any of the above float your boat, you'll enjoy getting in to this work."