The previous offering by this musically fearless trio from Brazil impressed me greatly and so naturally, I was thrilled when I heard that the ever-reliable Karisma Records were about to release the talented act’s third opus, which is simply titled III.
What we have here is an immensely playful and perfectly unpredictable piece of work that is as rich in melodies as it is in creativity and inventive ideas. The arrangements are truly something; everything ebbs and flows organically, and it is inspiring to witness an odyssey such as this one where each part moves seamlessly to the next and creates cohesion and flow. Another charming aspect of the evocative output is the fact that the lyrics are sung in the ensemble’s native language, which adds an emotional edge to the compositions and passionate delivery of the words. ‘Sonhos Medievais’ is steeped in a dream-like atmosphere and boasts excellent layers and textures that one can lose oneself in while the instantly appealing ‘Mandala’ sounds and feels both gentle and energetic. I love how some of the compositions start out relatively slowly before boiling up like a kettle over several delirious minutes – a case in point being ‘Cruz da Ordem’ with its meditative, serene chords that blossom into a pulsating, muscular beast of a tune that exudes drama and theatrics. Also, pay special attention to just how emotive and haunting the closing track titled ‘Filtro dos Sonhos’ is – now that is some soul-stirring stuff!
Caravela Escarlate’s knack for weaving a beautiful tapestry of harmonies, melodies, and riffs together with stunning results has never been stronger or more prominent than it is here. Classic prog from the 70s (think ELP and Camel) is undoubtedly a huge influence on these gents, yet their own brand of eclectic music is forward-thinking and comes across as original, infinitely rewarding, and utterly heartfelt. Momentum is always retained, the interplay between the musicians is phenomenal, and there is a wealth of superbly written material for you to enjoy here. Adapting a classic J.M.W. Turner painting for the album cover is a stroke of genius as it mirrors the countless shades and nuances of the musical content perfectly.
III is just as lively as its predecessor is, and in truth, it is one of the finest prog-rock releases that I have had the pleasure of listening to for months. Fans of symphonic prog need to obtain the LP.
III will be released by Karisma Records on January 27.
