Greco Bastián is a Mexican composer who combines Avant-Garde, Progressive Rock and R.I.O. The new album “With a little hell from my friends” was released on October 10, 2022 via Azafrán Media and contains 9 tracks plus 5 bonuses. As the artist admits, he is skilled in composition and has an in-depth knowledge of how to play instruments, but he relies on other musicians to perform his compositions. With the exception of keyboards and effects, all other instruments on the album are played by guests, on this album among the best in the current Avant-Prog scene. Unlike my usual reviews, it is complex to analyse the tracks individually, given the complexity of the compositions and the large amount of tempo changes and continuous evolutions. The lineup is very large and changes with each track, with different performers on woodwinds, bass, drums and percussion, guitar and keyboards, offering different stylistic solutions adding technique and quality to the already excellent compositions. The blend of different genres and styles incorporates elements of Avant-Prog, Zeuhl, RIO and Math Rock, building tracks with refined and always intricate rhythm sections and textures. The intensity is always very different with excellent phrasing between the instruments, enhancing both compositional and performing technique. The artist succeeds in evolving the sonorities proposed in previous works, thanks also to the quality of the artists involved who interpret Greco’s complex compositions with technique. The reminiscences of the masters of the genre such as Magma or Univrse Zero are proposed with a modern and personal touch by the artist, skilful in bringing them into a fresh and current context. An album recommended to all lovers of avant-prog and RIO sounds, offering elaborate and intense tracks, rich in ideas and quality passages.
Tracklist
01. Proteo Revampirizado 06:30
02. Zidane Racist 06:29
03. Zeuhlito Lindo 05:27
04. Oniontown 05:44
05. Aclowntrenós 04:44
06. My first metal swing set 02:09
07. D.A.S 01:42
08. Don’t open til Xmas 03:13
09. Exit filming for a muse 04:59
10. Bonus Track: Proteo Revampirizado (Finale: Elvin & Ryoko solos) 01:44
11. Bonus Track: Zidane Racist (Second Half: Bafus, Elvin & Salamon) 03:28
12. Bonus Track: Zeuhlito Lindo (Early Symphonic version) 04:21
13. Bonus Track: Oniontown (Symphonic version extract) 01:46
14. Bonus Track: Aclowntrenós (Full Symphonic version) 04:39
Lineup
Greco Bastián / Piano, Keyboard Effects, VST’s
With:
Tatsuya Yoshida (Koenjihyakkei, Ruins, Korekyojinn) / Drums
Jean-Luc Plouvier (Univers Zero, Maximalist!, Daniel Schell & Karo) / Piano
Ryoko Ono (Sax Ruins, Plastic Dogs, Ryorchestra) / Saxophone
Pierre Vervloesem (X-Legged Sally, Flat Earth Society, Kings of Belgium) / Electric Guitars
Matt Lebofsky (Mirthkon, Secret Chiefs 3, Moetar) / Basses
Patrick Shiroishi (Corima, Upsilon Acrux, Sswan) / Saxophone
Emmett Elvin (Guapo, Knifeworld, Chrome Hoof) / Electric Guitar, Bass
Vincent Sicot-Vantalon (Scherzoo, Unit Wail, Zero Zero Zero) / Piano, Keyboard Effects
Jon Bafus (Gentleman Surfer, Afternoon Brother, Invasive Species) / Drums
Samo Salamon (Trio, Quartet, Sextet) / Electric Guitars
José Luis Velasco / Electric Guitar, Bass
Hey Figueroa (Mushasho) / Basses
Armando Lagarda (Mushasho) / Drums
Edson Santana Reyna / Acoustic & Charango Guitars
Gerardo Ramlop / Xylophone
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