Pastoral
Atrapados en el cielo

THE REVIEW

Second work by Pastoral, reissued by the Korean label M2U Records (even if chronologically it should be the group's fourth album). The packaging is always a beautiful cardboard LP-like format that in this case even reproduces the original "gimmick" (the spaces between the bars are actually cut into the cardboard and what you see between one bar and the other is printed on the paper sleeve that holds the disc). As for the musical aspects characterizing this work, I have to say it doesn't differ much from what was heard in the previous "Humanos". Again, we are faced with simple folk-prog songs, in the style of fellow countrymen Sui Generis, all of relatively short duration, and characterized by sweet melodies and refined arrangements based on acoustic guitars and strings (in "El Dueno De Los Munecos" the bagpipes also make an appearance, an instrument perhaps not very familiar to prog enthusiasts, while in "Dama Antigua" the harmonica is present). In any case, compared to the previous work, the prog component, which characterized the arrangements more than the structure of the songs, is perhaps less present while the folk component takes over thanks to the fact that the presence of strings is only sporadic and certainly much less incisive compared to that of the acoustic guitars. It could be for this reason, or because the melodies, while very beautiful, do not reach the peaks of the previous album (on the second listen none have yet stuck in my mind), but I have to say that this "Atrapados En El cielo" captivated me less than "Humanos". For this reason, if you are inspired by the somewhat singer-songwriter folk-prog and want to try these Pastoral, start confidently with "Humanos". If you like it as I believe you will, the next step will be almost automatic and this album will also find a place in your collection.