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Change is inevitable. It happens to all of us. I guess
what’s really important is how we respond to change. Back
in the late eighties and into the mid nineties there was a
band in Venezuela called Radio Clip. They’d recorded four
albums and had performed in thousands of concerts across the
country. Then the inevitable, the band fell apart. Picking
up the pieces it was decided the band would move forward in
another form so in 1999 they renamed themselves RC2 and decided
to create music in the progressive rock genre. Their first
self-titled CD was released in 2003 and showed them creating
music that was on the heavier side. The band also moved toSpain
where they were able to secure an opening gig with Dream Theater.
That brings us to the release of their second CD entitledFuture
Awaits.***
RC2 consists of Felix Duque (vocals), Eric Baule (guitars),
Rafael Paz (keyboards), Pedro Misle (bass) and Eduardo Benatar
(drums). One of the things you notice right-off-the-bat with
Future Awaits is the change in musical approach. It’s more
symphonic and less progressive metal. The guitars are still
present but keyboards play a much bigger role in the compositions.
There are eight tracks, all of them on the longish side, only
one track is under six minutes and the last two tracks are
actually part 1 and 2 of the same song making it about sixteen
minutes. The album starts off with “Time Pieces” (10:59) featuring
a rousing staccato guitar-drums introduction in a complex
signature, which then evolves into the song proper. RC2’s
style of prog has a modern sound but they compose in a more
traditional style. The songs contain many parts and move back
and forth between these elements. It’s clearly symphonic,
but there is also a definite edge to the sound; romantic,
yes, but also aggressive. There is a hint of that Latin feel
found in the South American prog style, but it’s only a hint.
It seems that the heavier the music gets, that’s the first
thing that disappears. Where you do hear that trait with RC2
is in the intricacy of the music. Not that it’s complex, but
rather it’s all about layers and layers of detailed arrangements
all supporting the various melodies and rich harmonies. The
music of Future Awaits, because the tracks are so long, allows
for lots of softer, mellow moments, where the band’s instrumental
prowess shines. There are a couple tracks on the CD’s second
half, tracks like “Autumn” (8:02) where the band really hit
their stride offering some wonderful keyboards, flute and
some spectacular musical riffs. Over all there isn’t a weak
track, each offers something sonically pleasing to my ears.***
I’m trying to think of a band to compare them too sound-wise
and the best comparison I can make is the band IZZ. RC2 can
get heavy if they want to, but they have also developed a
stronger sense of composition allowing for their music to
ebb-and-flow, to breathe which in the end creates a strong
sense of emotion. If you enjoy your symphonic progressive
rock with a touch of South American flavour. RC2 should be
on your shopping list. Future Awaits offers a nice balance
of progressive sounds old and new.
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