Triana (2) – Sombra Y Luz

This is what I consider Triana's last progressive album. Despite this album having longer songs on average than any of their other albums, this became their big breakthrough in Spain, finally getting the recognition they so deserved. "Una Historia" is more of a bluesy song, but the flamenco guitar of Eduardo Rodriguez, and the vocals of Jesus de la Rosa is unmistakable, giving it a flamenco feel. "Quiero Contarte" is a more upbeat number, and is in the same vein as "Rumor" from their previous album, Hijos del Agobio". The title track is the most progressive thing on the album, I really love those flamenco guitar passages from Eduard Rodriguez and some pretty sinister and trippy synth playing from Jesus de la Rosa. "Hasta Volver" is a slower-paced song with nice proggy arrangements. "Tiempo Sin Saber" is classic Triana all the ways, with that flamenco influenced prog that they do so well. "Vuelta a la Sombra y Luz" was basically the weird part of the title track revisited.

By the way, I'm not from Spain and don't speak Spanish, so I have little idea what they're singing about, but like the Italian albums in my collection, I simply enjoy the music regardless of the language it's sung in.

I had my doubts about this album given how badly prog rock was doing in 1979, but then this was Spain, so there was still room for great prog even in 1979. I understand that Triana isn't to every proghead's liking, many times the band tends to operate in that "comfort zone", and they weren't trying to create Gentle Giant-like complex prog (that wasn't the point anyways), but this was one where they stray somewhat out of that zone, particularly the title track. If you like their first two albums, make sure you get this one, and approach the later ones with more caution.