David MoyaTarántula has released a new album after years in limbo. In the past, a robbery of their gear cut their musical journey short. They almost had an album ready to go at that time. Now, the band has reunited and revisited those nearly lost songs. Their long-awaited comeback is finally here with Muéstrame el Camino.
Bit of history
Tarantula is a Spanish band from Valencia, founded in 1973 and one of the Spanish pioneers of rock progressive, Tarántula burst onto the scene in 1976 with their self-titled debut album. Two years later, they released ‘Tarántula Il . However, the band faced numerous challenges. Lineup changes and a devastating burglary at their rehearsal space severely impacted them. They lost all their equipment in the break-in. Ultimately, these setbacks forced the band to disband. They had already laid the groundwork for a album that never came to fruition. It’s a significant loss for fans who were eagerly awaiting more music from this talented group.
It wasn’t until 2020 that rumors of a Tarántula reunion began. This was sparked by the documentary “Ellas son eléctricas“, which featured their vocalist, Ana González, one of the first female vocalist in the prog rock industry in Spain. The band’s last bassist, Julián Masiá, still had the demo from their unfinished 1980 project. He used this material, along with new compositions, to bring Tarántula back together. Now, they’ve released Muéstrame el Camino, a fantastic new album that fans will love.
Musical Journey through Muéstrame el Camino
Anunciado en TV
The first track, “Anunciado en TV,” kicks off with a hard sound that blends Deep Purple and ZZ Top vibes. The lyrics feel a bit outdated for a modern album, but remember, this song was written long ago. After the initial section, it shifts to a very bluesy instrumental part, featuring lovely organ sounds and impressive guitar solos. Then, it returns to a hard rock feel, reminiscent of Uriah Heep with a hint of folk. Overall, it’s a solid track with good production. Ana González shines with her high-pitched vocals, allowing the instruments to take over and deliver the energy.
Piel de Plexiglas
“Piel de Plexiglas” is one of the best songs on the album, in my opinion. It starts slowly, with synths creating a rich atmosphere alongside guitars mimicking violins and Ana González showcasing her vocal talent. As the drums kick in, it reminds me of Ayreon but with a more classic production approach. The transition from atmospheric to melodic parts is seamless, evoking a glass-like sensation through the synths and bass. When the hard distorted guitars enter, it feels reminiscent of Pink Floyd. Then, a ghostly guitar riff emerges, and Ana’s vocals take the track into a whole new realm of Spanish pop, echoing Ana Belén. Suddenly, it shifts into a classic Uriah Heep style, showcasing loads of diversity. It’s an extremely fun song to listen to.
Muestrema el Camino
“Muestrema el Camino” is my favorite track on the album. It opens with a neo-classical, medieval folk vibe. The song then evolves into a chill atmosphere, featuring a steady rhythmic section and Ana’s distinctive voice shaping the melody. Her subtle high-pitched vocals lead into a captivating guitar solo. The final section of the song ramps up with pure 70s hard rock. It’s a beautifully written piece and exceptionally produced—a top-quality track.
Rock & Roll de la Gran Via
“Rock & Roll de la Gran Via” is pure rock and roll. It feels like a tribute to “Tequila” and their song “Rock And Roll En La Plaza Del Pueblo“. However, I found it a bit flat and didn’t really enjoy it.
Fantasía
“Fantasía” brings us back to the good stuff. It opens with atmospheric, dreamy passages that are simple yet well-crafted, enhanced by cool synths. When Ana starts singing, the fantasy unfolds. The song features chilled rhythmic sections and lovely melodies—another fun track.
Abeja Reina and Jerusalen
“Abeja Reina – Ucraini” shares a similar vibe with “Fantasía”. To conclude, “Jerusalen” is a slow but powerful song. It showcases heavy guitars that are much more intense than in the rest of the album. The vocals, provided by a different singer, complement this strong sound. The grand finale evokes the spirit of Deep Purple.
Final Thoughts
Muéstrame el Camino shines with inspiration, musical quality, creativity, and top-notch production. However, one aspect could use improvement: Ana’s vocals. In certain tracks, her voice deserves to take center stage. A little more focus during the production process might have enhanced this effect, in general all that songs even been composed ages ago have aged properly I cannot imagen what will happens with new material.
