Bijou • Neo-Prog (Spain)

Bijou biography (http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=1442)

Versatile neo-prog outfit from Zamora, Spain, whose sole album reveals strong musicianship, rare compositional abilities and much originality. They are not as experimental as fellow Spanish progsters PSICOTROPIA, yet in no way do they resemble your usual PENDRAGON / JADIS / MARILLION / IQ emulators. The only fitting comparison would perhaps be TWELFTH NIGHT, with tinges of 80's era RUSH. After a two-year unsuccessful search for a vocalist, they decided to go all instrumental and make the best of their two guitarists, keyboard player, bassist and drummer.

The highly melodic album "El Profeta" (1993) puts the accent on keyboards although every musician pinches in masterfully while never losing sight of the overall effect. Most tracks average 6 minutes except for the last one, a 24-minute epic full of unexpected twists and turns, exquisite musical phrases and varied time signatures. The sound, if not perfect, is still above average considering the album is a low-budget, self-produced recording.

Tasteful, well executed, eclectic and definitely recommended if you're into the better neo-prog.

: : : Lise (HIBOU), CANADA : : :

El Profeta 2005

Thanks Magal