Bee Jesus Vol.2 Ciudad de Brahman

Argentina was a major player in the rock en Español movement of the 1980s and 1990s — in fact, it was this country that gave us los Fabulosos Cadillacs. While a lot of other Argentinean rock bands that surfaced in the 1990s were heavily into alternative rock, grunge, and ska-punk, Buenos Aires trio Natas has more of a psychedelic/progressive-rock outlook on Ciudad de Brahman. Recorded during a visit to San Francisco, this 1999 session recalls the days of Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Yes, and Genesis. Inviting pieces like "Brisa del Desierto," "Tufi Meme," and "Alohawaii" don't adhere to a simple chorus/verse/chorus format; nor does the band shy away from the type of ambition and complexity for which progressive rock aimed. While Natas can be as melodic as Floyd and Genesis, their sound tends to be heavier and more aggressive, owing a creative debt to hard rock and early heavy metal. They might love melody and harmony, but that doesn't prevent the rockers from providing some forceful power chords along the lines of Black Sabbath or Blue Cheer. This unpredictable effort takes several listens to be fully absorbed, but for those who don't insist on simplicity in their rock, Ciudad de Braham is highly rewarding.