I have no idea where to begin with this utterly enjoyable and original piece of work by the Mexican entity named A Flying Fish, but this epic offering is as bonkers as it is brilliant.
Somewhere between prog rock, art rock, avant-garde music, progressive metal, cabaret, and what can only be termed carnivalesque, you will find this innovative concoction of captivating sounds.
There is a touch of the absurd and magically surreal coursing through the material without it losing its emotional pull or turning into a parody. Contrasts wrestle within the compositions and things range from the entertaining and humoristic to the dark, brooding, and occasionally maniacal and demented – all of which are emphasized and perfectly highlighted by the varied vocals and spoken words utilized throughout.
Actually, this is one of those unique discs that never stays in one place for long but constantly manages to move effortlessly from one part to the next without sounding contrived or forced. This multilayered slice of psychedelic madness is fizzing with energy and grandiosity in a most appealing and endearing manner – just check the 9-minute ‘Genezees’ out should you need proof of that.
The promotional material states that this wonderful opus is for fans of Danny Elfman, Queen, Devin Townshend, and Devil Doll, and I for one could not agree more. Theatrical and dramatic without seeming pompous or vulgar, memorable and engaging while still requiring much from the patient listener, and never anything but phenomenal and superbly written, El Pez Que Voló – Act I is simply the gift that keeps on giving but only if you approach it with an open mind. There is plenty of depth across its tracks and the record is undoubtedly one of the year’s most outstanding releases.
El Pez Que Voló – Act I is out now via Apollon Records/Gymnocal Industries.
