A giant step forward
Javier Kohen | 01/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Punto Omega's second release improves on their previous album on all levels. The production levels in this release are one of the highest in the market, not only in the electronic genre. They show that hard work and creativity are enough to compensate for modest resources when it comes to creating an uncompromised work of art. This album appeals to a wide public while still maintaining cohesion and coherence from beginning to end.
For those who have listened the band's previous work, expect more of everything in this new release. The melodies and rhythms are more varied than before, they have more guest singers, more analog instruments, while still staying true to the trademark lyrics and music that you have come to love from this band.
Nostalgias del Origen takes us in an introspective journey through internal landscapes, encouraging us to reflect on the moral of our way of life. The album starts with a masterful introduction, with bagpipes played by Pilgrim himself letting us know that the journey has begun. It soon develops into the martial, dance-floor stomping rhythms of the first part, called The Exile (El Destierro), whose tidal waves transition into the calmer melodies of the second part, appropriately named The Return (El Regreso).
Pilgrim has managed to introduce in his compositions many string instruments, skillfully played by guest musicians, that add another dimension to the music. Guest singers, each having his own style, provide a whole new set of emotions and Pilgrim himself surprises us as well by appearing in one of the songs without the trademark distortion.
The lyrics by Viator and Aletheia are deep and no-nonsense, and without them this work would not be complete. Although the lyrics are in Spanish, the band was considerate with the rest of the world and included in the booklet English translations for all the lyrics. The booklet itself is far from being a last minute addition to the album: Each page is decorated with a beautifully hand-drawn illustration that complements music and lyrics. The cover art is one of the most detailed and meaningful works that I have seen in an album.
All in all, this album is a must have. I personally like it a lot more than the first album."
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1