This features the re-recording (with Portuguese lyrics) of "Lavender," a famous track by Marillion which attracted the attention of the French label Musea Records. Perto do Amanhecer, the first work of a Brazilian progressive rock band released by a foreign record company, is basically a work of symphonic prog rock with strong influences of '80s neo-progressive British bands such as Marillion and IQ. Keyboardist Eloy Fritsch has the same style as Rick Wakeman and Mark Kelly, and his miniMoog solos and analog timbres are present on all tracks of this CD. Some classical moments (e.g., the intro of the instrumental track "Fantasia Mística") and even hard rock (on the tracks "Magia" and "Terra Azul") contribute to the diversity of the album, the biggest characteristic of this work. After all, the vibrance -- illustrated by the constant changes in rhythm, hard guitar chords, a duel between the acoustic guitar and miniMoog (on the instrumental "Nascente"), and the well-played keyboards -- makes this CD an obligatory purchase for lovers of the neo-progressive style. All the lyrics are in Portuguese and deal with several themes, such as existentialism and mysticism.
© Cesar Lanzarini /TiVo