By Rodrigo Ricardo @hhdrums
Talking about progressive rock is complicated. It's a subgenre that encompasses almost everything., because its main characteristics include experimentation and an unconventional compositional structure. Sometimes I think (and this is purely my personal opinion, it does not reflect the views of the management of Zonagirante.com) that the term was invented to include within it all the bands that are difficult to categorize within a rock genre (or those who didn't understand... ha ha ha).
It turns out that I've come across a Chilean band (again) called Zoo. Formed in 2011 but consolidated in 2015, this group is composed of Rodrigo Abarca on bass and vocals; Matías Ponce on guitar; Andreas Schiefelbein on guitar and vocals and Luis Zuñiga on drums. And what a band, damn it! His EP titled The Red Herb It's an implosion of impeccably articulated sounds. Chaotic, well-executed drums, perfectly blended harmonies and vocal melodies, hypnotic guitars. and a bass that is in perfect melodic-percussive harmony.
Analyzing the compositions, one might think upon starting to listen to the first song of the EP, Larks, which is an indie, post-hardcore band, in the style of Saosin or Chiodos. From Aspidoquelon One can discern a greater affinity with bands like The Mars Volta or Closure in Moscow, standard-bearers of the new progressive sound, especially in the heavier parts of the compositions and, like the immense monster to which they allude, they attract us like fish (with their sounds) not to eat us, but to give us food for the soul through this sound experience. Likewise, a very marked melodic tendency reflecting the Andean roots of these young men can be appreciated in the quieter moments, which is quite interesting and lends a sublime touch to the songs. However, the most curious thing is that (unlike many progressive rock bands) All the songs flow very smoothly, and the rhythmic and harmonic changes occur in a very natural way., which makes this work enjoyable from the first contact with it, although new details can be discovered each time it is listened to, new nuances and new ideas.
Words are superfluous, really, when referring to this EP. There is no single word to describe it, and any words that can be used fall short.I dare say it without fear of exaggeration… The Red Herb, Despite showing common elements with other progressive rock albums, they demonstrate that there is room to incorporate local trends in an unforced way and that an optimal result can emerge from this., refreshing and delightful to listen to.
