Detailed Reviews [Cronofonia - 2021 - "Cronofonia"]

Prolusion. Mexican project CRONOFONIA is the creative studio project of composers and musicians Pablo Patricio Ortiz and Joaquin Ortiz, a venture that has been in development for a good number of years with a Mexican and a European division. The first result of this project is the self-titled double album "Cronofonia". The Mexican version was released towards the end of 2020, while the European version was launched in the spring of 2021.

Analysis. This double concept album is quite the sprawling and impressive creation. Clocking in at more than two hours of playtime there is a lot of music to enjoy here, and with a conceptual theme explored to boot. In terms of genre progressive rock is probably the best genre to place it in, but as far as any subcategories of the genre goes this is a tougher call to make. On the whole I guess that progressive folk rock will be the best fit here though. The material explored in this concept encompass several different types of music, which makes it difficult to place in a more categorical manner, and there are some less common choices made in how the compositions are assembled. Not in a major way, but less common choices all the same. The core foundation throughout is music that resides on the borderland between singer/songwriter material, folk music and classical music. Acoustic guitars and vocals cater for the central core, which alternates between a more traditional singer/songwriter mode and a more folk music based one. Flute details add a folk music vibe when present, while oboe, clarinet, cello, saxophone, violin and other instruments add elements from classical music, jazz as well as folk music to the proceedings. Hence we get songs that are almost purebred singer/songwriter affairs, others that have a stronger base in folk music, and quite a few that blend those two core styles with elements from classical music. Some of the material actually have a stronger classical firmament too. Jazz-tinged instrument details also appear on regular occasions, expanding the landscapes explored with a further dimension. In addition to this, some of the songs will also take on more of a retro-oriented progressive rock and hard rock attitude in part or in full. Electric guitars, organ and keyboards have their central roles to play in these excursions, with associations towards bands like Kansas, Jethro Tull and Deep Purple being most prominent. More often than not these are parts of the more dynamic compositions as seen from a progressive rock perspective. In essence this is a double concept album that defies genre conventions and makes use of instrument, sound and genre conventions and details in a less common and creative manner. Strong vocalists and quality instrumentalists explore well written landscapes, and the combined efforts have been given a good and effective mix and production. A high quality production no matter how you look at it and regard it, and one of the albums out there where personal taste will be the sole factor deciding whether or not the material will be appreciated.

Conclusion. Cronofonia's self-titled debut album is a massive and impressive creation on all levels. While not exploring any distinct genre or subcategory of music as such, the lack of such features makes this a progressive rock production by default. Those who know and love their progressive rock with a folk music foundation will probably be the ones who will get most out of this album experience I presume, but those with a fascination for music that moves between genre conventions and different subcategories of music should find this album to be an intriguing one.

Progmessor: July 2021
The Rating Room