South America does not bring forth only footballers but prog music as well. Its psychedelic scene during the 60s and the prog one in the 70s are familiar to symphonic rock / avant guarde lovers and really worth to be explored by anyone who falls into that category. RC2 come from Venezuela and there's a story behind them. They started in 1988 as Radio Clip (best seller band in their homeland) to split up in 1994 and finally to form again in 1999 as RC2. In 2003 they made their debut, moved to Spain, supported Dream Theater, and released their second album "Future Awaits".
A second album that belongs almost definitely to the symphonic rock tag, as RC2 are now more experimental than ever before. Certainly, the melodies are present but the songs structure is complex and multidimensional. Elements from different genres mix (from heavy rock to ethnic), keyboards are lush and guitar patterns are memorable, not to mention the propulsive rhythm section. Undoubtedly, musicianship is of high standard. The mood ranges from melancholic to joyous and from introspective to outbursting moments, based on the help of mellotron, piano, synths and guitar. Fusion and neo prog touches appear here and there, as well. Yes, Camel, King Crimson, Pendragon, Porcupine Tree ("Coming Down Again"), Santana (just listen to "Autumn" especially the part from 05.26 to 05.44) are some of the influences included. Thankfully, "Future Awaits" has all the right influences yet far from being the poor relation of them.
This time around lyrics are written in English, but you could cut the accent with a knife, let alone that I didn't have the pleasure reading them (since all MP was given was a poor slice of a demo), so you may excuse me if I am not in the position to make further remarks. I got enthused by the instrumental songs, like "El Diablo Suelto" (its acoustic guitar parts are driving) and "Voice Of The Storm pt 1", that's why my tip for RC2 would be to follow this path intensively.
All in all, nothing really mind-blowing but the talent is obviously there. A solid effort that needs to be followed through and (why not?) surpassed in the days to come. Recommended for fans of symphonic rock.
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