Detailed Reviews [Factor Burzaco - 2014 - "3"]

Prolusion. The Argentinean band FACTOR BURZACO is based out of Buenos Aires, and appears to be the creative vehicle of composer and founder Abel Gilbert. Vocalist Carolina Restuccia appears to be the one constant element in this project besides Gilbert himself, the remaining musicians involved changing from album to album. "III" is the most recent production to be issued under the Factor Burzaco moniker, and was released through the Italian label Altrock in 2014.

Analysis. Altrock Records appeared back in 2006, and in the eight years they have been in existence they have established themselves as a label to follow for people with an interest in innovative and adventurous music, a home for quality artists of the kind that seek to defy or venture outside of common norms and borders. Which makes this label a natural home for a project such as Factor Burzaco. The compositions on their latest album spread far and wide in style, mood and atmosphere. More often than not with a full-spread covered within each single composition. Smooth, compelling sequences with a defined jazz-rock expression have their place just as much as movements with more of a chamber rock-oriented expression, and frail constructions with vocals and instrumental details fit in just as easily as darker toned, harder edged excursions dominated by massive guitar riffs. The latter isn't the most common feature, mind you, but it is a recurring detail in the rather hard to describe musical landscape explored. Other common features are surging, textured instrumental details, often with more of a frail nature to them than dramatic ones, and playful flute motifs are another recurring detail. The vibraphone also provides some of the finer details in the landscapes explored. Compelling sequences with distinct harmonies give most of these pieces an accessible sheen, but quirky maneuvers are never far away when these musicians are on the go, so while Factor Burzaco's take on the avant-garde progressive rock is arguably more accessible than many other bands exploring similar landscapes, there's always unusual harmonies or odd rhythms of the kind that those with a more defined taste for avant-garde progressive rock lurking on the horizon. Guitar details of the kind I'd describe as Frippian in expression are a common feature throughout, in this case I'd say that these are of a similar nature rather than ones that come across as directly inspired by this innovator though, while some of the quirkier structural details that remind of Gentle Giant at their most adventurous are more likely to be the result of a direct or indirect influence. The lead vocals of Carolina Restuccia does merit a special mention. The ground and center of her vocal style is one I'd compare to Iceland singer Bjork, but with a fine control rather than the untamed passionate delivery of the latter as a marked difference. Restuccia transports her vocal skills into rather different territories when leaving home base however, with unusual timbres and tones trademark features when she utilizes her voice talents to full effect. Eerie shrieks and whispered voices are well within her repertoire as well, and her contribution most certainly elevates the total experience at hand.

Conclusion. "III" is an album that twists and turns its way through unpredictable landscapes that perhaps are more challenging to describe than to actually listen to, although as far as the latter aspect is concerned, those with an affection for challenging music should find this album to be one that caters to their tastes in that department quite nicely. This is a very well made specimen of avant-garde progressive rock, and those who enjoy their jazz-rock and chamber rock elements combined with quirky details of a more undefinable nature explored within sophisticated compositional framework should find this CD to be a worthy addition to their collection.

OMB=Olav M Bjornsen: July 14, 2014
The Rating Room