Aquelarre

Label: Trova
Country: Argentina
Released: 1972
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Background

Aquelarre, formed in Argentina in 1970, emerged from the breakup of the influential band Almendra. The lineup consisted of Emilio Del Guercio on bass and guitar, Rodolfo Garcia on drums, Hector Starc on electric guitar, and Hugo Gonzalez Neira on keyboards. The band released their self-titled debut album in 1972, followed by their second album, Candiles, later that same year under the Trova label.

Musical Evolution

Candiles marked a significant shift in Aquelarre's sound. While their debut emphasized guitar-driven rock, this album focused more on the arrangements led by Gonzalez Neira's keyboards, including the Hammond organ, clavinet, and piano. The album features seven tracks that blend rock, blues rock, and progressive rock elements. The songs are characterized by intricate rhythms and surrealist lyrics, reflecting the band's varied influences and musical ambitions.

Track Highlights

The opening track, "Cruzando La Calle," showcases the band's new direction with its extended instrumental sections and prominent keyboard work. "Miren A Este Imbecil" exhibits a blend of sharp lyrics and complex arrangements that highlight the band's progressive tendencies. The closing track, "Iluminen La Tierra," spans over eight minutes, allowing the band to explore musical themes in depth.

Production Details

The album was engineered by Carlos Piriz and produced with coordination from Alfredo Radoszynski. The artwork for Candiles features a painting by Francisco de Goya, adding a visual layer that complements the album's themes. The photography by Juan Bernardo Arruabarrena captures the essence of the band's artistic vision.

Further Releases

Aquelarre continued to evolve their sound with subsequent albums, including Brumas in 1974 and Siesta in 1975. They became known for their unique blend of psychedelic rock with jazz-influenced rhythms and surreal lyrics.

Technical Facts

Candiles was released in 1972 as a vinyl LP album.

Tracklist

A1	Cruzando La Calle Bass, Vocals – EmilioDrums – RodolfoElectric Guitar, Lap Steel Guitar [Hawaiian Guitar] – HectorPiano, Vocals, Electric Piano [Pianet], Clavinet – Hugo	6:19
A2	Soplo Nuestro Bass, Vocals – EmilioGuitar – HectorOrgan, Backing Vocals – HugoPercussion, Backing Vocals – Rodolfo	4:35
A3	Hermana Vereda Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – EmilioDrums, Percussion – RodolfoGuitar – HectorPiano – Hugo	4:45
A4	Cuentos Tristes Bass, Flute, Vocals – EmilioDrums, Vocals – RodolfoGuitar – HectorPiano, Backing Vocals – Hugo	3:35
B1	Miren A Este Imbécil Bass, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – EmilioDrums, Vocals – RodolfoGuitar – HectorPiano, Clavinet, Organ, Electric Piano [Pianet] – Hugo	5:40
B2	Patos Trastornados Bass – EmilioDrums – RodolfoGuitar – HectorOrgan, Clavinet – Hugo	6:18
B3	Iluminen La Tierra Bass, Backing Vocals – EmilioDrums, Backing Vocals – RodolfoElectric Guitar, Lap Steel Guitar [Hawaiian Guitar] – HectorPiano, Organ, Vocals – Hugo	8:30