El Reloj

El Reloj's Return with "La Esencia Es La Misma"

In 1983, Argentine rock band El Reloj released their third studio album, "La Esencia Es La Misma," under Interdisc and DG Discos. This album marked a significant change for the band, showcasing a new lineup and a shift in musical style. Founding member Fernando "Willy" Gardi returned after a six-year break, reforming the group with a fresh cast of talented musicians.

A New Lineup

The album features lead vocalist Osvaldo "Pety" Guelache, who joined the band as the new frontman. Cristian Hubert contributes electric piano, polyphonic synthesizers, and keyboards, enhancing the album's sound with rich textures. The lineup is completed by Daniel Carli on electric bass, Daniel Telis on electric guitar, and Norberto Di Bella on drums. Both Gardi and Di Bella also took on production roles, with Mario Breuer serving as the recording and mixing engineer.

Musical Evolution

"La Esencia Es La Misma" represents a departure from El Reloj's earlier heavy metal influences, steering towards a more intricate jazz-rock fusion and symphonic progressive rock sound. The album features lush arrangements, highlighted by Hubert's analog synthesizers and Gardi's impressive guitar work. Guelache's powerful vocal delivery further elevates the music, creating a dynamic listening experience. The album consists of seven tracks, including the title track and the reflective piece "Cada Instante... Cada Cosa."

Recording Details

This album was recorded at Estudios Moebio and Del Cielito in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1983. The production quality is notable, thanks to the expertise of Mario Breuer, who has a strong reputation in the Argentine rock scene. The album's artwork was created by photographer Luis Aramburu, with typography by Chino Barbieri, adding a visual element that complements the music.

Track Highlights

The title track, "La Esencia Es La Misma," opens the album with energy and sets the tone for the subsequent songs. "Un Extraño Dolor," although mistakenly labeled on some releases as "Un Extraño Color," offers a blend of melody and rhythm that captures the band's evolving sound. The instrumental "Sublimación A La Vida" showcases the group's classical and jazz influences effectively, while "La Razón De Existir" serves as an epic conclusion to the album.

El Reloj's "La Esencia Es La Misma" was released in 1983 and is cataloged under Interdisc SLIN 3319.