Lembro-me exatamente da primeira vez que ouvi Argus. Um colega de sala me perguntou se eu conhecia uma banda chamada Wishbone Ash, uma das favoritas de seu pai. Eu não tinha a menor ideia de quem eram. No dia seguinte, ele me entregou o CD com um sorriso, insistindo para que eu o levasse para casa e ouvisse. Infelizmente, perdemos o contato com o tempo, mas se pudesse, eu o agradeceria repetidamente por me apresentar a algo tão extraordinário. Ainda que, inevitavelmente, eu tivesse descoberto essa maravilha por conta própria, a gratidão permanece.
Muitos consideram Argus como o pioneiro no uso das guitarras gêmeas, um modelo que influenciaria bandas como Thin Lizzy e Judas Priest. O som do álbum é uma fusão impressionante entre Thin Lizzy, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple e Strawbs, mantendo, contudo, sua identidade única. Este disco é sem sombra de dúvida, um clássico incontestável do rock melódico e incursões progressivas dos anos setenta. A capa, com seu soldado da antiguidade observando um vale, evoca um sentimento de serenidade. Embora armado com capacete e lança, a tonalidade quente da luz sugere paz, mais do que qualquer ameaça de ataque. Para mim, isso reflete a calma predominante que permeia o álbum.
À medida que fui escutando o disco repetidamente, passei a acreditar que muitas das faixas devem ter sido gravadas ao vivo no estúdio. A espontaneidade das longas passagens instrumentais e dos solos de guitarra parece quase improvisada, como se a banda estivesse capturando a magia do momento.
O álbum começa com o arpejo melódico de "Time Was", uma faixa de quase dez minutos que desde o início deixa claro que o álbum não tem medo de explorar solos de guitarra e passagens instrumentais elaboradas. A música abre com uma seção acústica suave, até que uma mudança no ritmo traz uma energia vibrante e edificante. O trabalho de guitarra é engenhoso, acompanhado por uma seção rítmica impecável de baixo e bateria, que não se limita a ser apenas um pano de fundo, mas sim, uma parte integral da experiência sonora.
Em "Sometime World", a mesma estrutura fluida aparece. A melodia começa delicada, até que uma mudança de cadência injeta uma nova vitalidade na canção. Um riff melódico forte e guitarras brilhantemente entrelaçadas junto aos vocais de apoio elevam a música. Quando a banda lança novamente seus solos de guitarra, a bateria e o baixo se destacam com um vigor notável, criando uma atmosfera intensa e pulsante. "Blowing Free" traz um rock mais convencional, mas ainda assim cativante. A guitarra, em sua maioria suave, se une a linhas de baixo marcantes e uma bateria discreta, formando uma harmonia doce. A música possui uma pausa dinâmica que retorna com um solo de guitarra excelente. Em certos momentos, a aura musical evoca a sensação do Deja Vu de Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, uma comparação que surge naturalmente ao ouvir a faixa.
"The King Will Come" é uma música que às vezes acho que eu a subestimo, mas ao revisitá-la, é impossível não reconhecer que é uma das melhores já feitas na história do rock. Começa de forma discreta, com uma bateria de marcha, uma guitarra wah-wah de fundo e outra ritmando, um baixo suave; tudo crescendo até que a faixa realmente deslancha com um dos riffs de guitarra mais sensacionais que já ouvi. "The King Will Come" é a prova viva do porquê Argus ser tão sensacional, com suas belas harmonias vocais, letras folclóricas, e passagens instrumentais que trazem o riff inicial de volta e são acompanhadas de solos sublimes de guitarra. Para mim, esta é a faixa definitiva da banda, vibrante e inesquecível.
"Leaf and Stream" tem uma atmosfera pastoral, com vocais melódicos e guitarras sensíveis. A construção da faixa é um bálsamo para a alma, como se anjos sussurrassem aos nossos ouvidos. Esta balada acústica e poética serve como um interlúdio pacífico antes da banda retomar o vigor em uma faixa de sonoridade mais intensa. "Warrior" é uma das músicas mais icônicas do álbum. Intensa e apaixonada, traz uma sensação de folk rock, mas com o peso das guitarras. A letra parece sugerir que o "guerreiro" da capa derrotou o tirano e agora encontra-se em paz. A canção possui uma passagem instrumentalmente viajante, com versos cantados de forma emotiva. Mais uma vez, as guitarras são o grande destaque. A música cresce constantemente até atingir um final apoteótico.
"Throw Down the Sword" encerra o álbum e lembro-me claramente da primeira vez que a ouvi. Enquanto a faixa tocava, pensei que o disco poderia ter terminado com algo menos convencional. Mas, então, os dois minutos finais me prenderam em um loop do qual demorei a sair. O clímax é simplesmente brilhante. As guitarras gêmeas, ainda uma novidade para mim naquela época, se revelaram como um dos trabalhos mais bem executados que já conheci. As duas guitarras solando em perfeita harmonia sobre uma base instrumental excelente. O que inicialmente parecia um final morno para um disco magnífico, manteve o brilhantismo com um solo apoteótico, um dos melhores da história do rock.
Argus é um disco que combina de forma magistral uma musicalidade precisa com uma emoção genuína. Apresenta toda a beleza característica de um clássico do rock, um registro extremamente original que a cada nova audição revela novas qualidades, mantendo-nos sempre cativados e encantados.
================================I remember exactly the first time I heard Argus. A classmate asked me if I knew a band called Wishbone Ash, one of his father's favorites. I had no idea who they were. The next day, he handed me the CD with a smile, insisting I take it home and listen. Unfortunately, we lost touch over time, but if I could, I would thank him repeatedly for introducing me to something so extraordinary. Even though I would have eventually discovered this gem on my own, the gratitude remains.
Many consider Argus a pioneer in the use of twin guitars, a model that would influence bands like Thin Lizzy and Judas Priest. The album's sound is an impressive fusion of Thin Lizzy, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, and Strawbs, yet it retains its unique identity. This record is undoubtedly a classic of melodic rock and progressive incursions of the seventies. The cover, featuring an ancient soldier surveying a valley, evokes a sense of serenity. Though armed with a helmet and spear, the warm hue of the light suggests peace more than any threat of attack. To me, this reflects the prevailing calm that permeates the album.
As I listened to the album repeatedly, I began to believe that many of the tracks might have been recorded live in the studio. The spontaneity of the long instrumental passages and guitar solos feels almost improvised, as if the band were capturing the magic of the moment.
The album starts with the melodic arpeggio of "Time Was," a nearly ten-minute track that, from the outset, makes it clear that the album is unafraid to explore elaborate guitar solos and instrumental passages. The song begins with a gentle acoustic section, until a shift in rhythm brings a vibrant and uplifting energy. The guitar work is ingenious, complemented by a flawless rhythm section of bass and drums, which are not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the sonic experience.
In "Sometime World," the same fluid structure appears. The melody starts delicate, until a change in cadence injects new vitality into the song. A strong melodic riff and brilliantly intertwined guitars with supporting vocals elevate the music. When the band launches into their guitar solos again, the drums and bass stand out with remarkable vigor, creating an intense and pulsating atmosphere. "Blowing Free" brings a more conventional rock sound but remains captivating. The guitar, mostly smooth, combines with striking bass lines and a subtle drum performance, forming a sweet harmony. The song features a dynamic pause that returns with an excellent guitar solo. At times, the musical aura evokes the feel of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's Déjà Vu, a comparison that naturally arises when listening to the track.
"The King Will Come" is a song that I sometimes think I underappreciate, but upon revisiting it, it's impossible not to recognize it as one of the greatest ever made in rock history. It starts subtly, with a marching drum, a background wah-wah guitar, and another rhythm guitar, a soft bass; everything builds up until the track truly takes off with one of the most sensational guitar riffs I've ever heard. "The King Will Come" is living proof of why Argus is so remarkable, with its beautiful vocal harmonies, folk-like lyrics, and instrumental passages that bring back the initial riff, accompanied by sublime guitar solos. For me, this is the definitive track of the band, vibrant and unforgettable.
"Leaf and Stream" has a pastoral atmosphere, with melodic vocals and sensitive guitars. The track's construction is a balm for the soul, as if angels were whispering in our ears. This acoustic and poetic ballad serves as a peaceful interlude before the band resumes vigor in a more intense-sounding track. "Warrior" is one of the album's most iconic songs. Intense and passionate, it brings a folk-rock feel but with the weight of the guitars. The lyrics suggest that the "warrior" on the cover has defeated the tyrant and now finds peace. The song features a traveling instrumental passage with emotively sung verses. Once again, the guitars are the standout element. The music continuously builds up to an apotheotic finale.
"Throw Down the Sword" closes the album, and I clearly remember the first time I heard it. As the track played, I thought the album could have ended with something less conventional. But then, the final two minutes ensnared me in a loop I struggled to escape. The climax is simply brilliant. The twin guitars, still a novelty to me at the time, proved to be one of the most skillful works I’ve ever known. The two guitars soloing in perfect harmony over an excellent instrumental base. What initially seemed like a lukewarm ending to a magnificent album maintained its brilliance with an apotheotic solo, one of the best in rock history.
Argus is an album that masterfully combines precise musicianship with genuine emotion. It embodies all the characteristics of a rock classic, an extremely original record that, with each new listen reveals new qualities, keeping us always captivated and enchanted.
I remember exactly the first time I heard Argus. A classmate asked me if I knew a band called Wishbone Ash, one of his father's favorites. I had no idea who they were. The next day, he handed me the CD with a smile, insisting I take it home and listen. Unfortunately, we lost touch over time, but if I could, I would thank him repeatedly for introducing me to something so extraordinary. Even though I would have eventually discovered this gem on my own, the gratitude remains.
Many consider Argus a pioneer in the use of twin guitars, a model that would influence bands like Thin Lizzy and Judas Priest. The album's sound is an impressive fusion of Thin Lizzy, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, and Strawbs, yet it retains its unique identity. This record is undoubtedly a classic of melodic rock and progressive incursions of the seventies. The cover, featuring an ancient soldier surveying a valley, evokes a sense of serenity. Though armed with a helmet and spear, the warm hue of the light suggests peace more than any threat of attack. To me, this reflects the prevailing calm that permeates the album.
As I listened to the album repeatedly, I began to believe that many of the tracks might have been recorded live in the studio. The spontaneity of the long instrumental passages and guitar solos feels almost improvised, as if the band were capturing the magic of the moment.
The album starts with the melodic arpeggio of "Time Was," a nearly ten-minute track that, from the outset, makes it clear that the album is unafraid to explore elaborate guitar solos and instrumental passages. The song begins with a gentle acoustic section, until a shift in rhythm brings a vibrant and uplifting energy. The guitar work is ingenious, complemented by a flawless rhythm section of bass and drums, which are not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the sonic experience.
In "Sometime World," the same fluid structure appears. The melody starts delicate, until a change in cadence injects new vitality into the song. A strong melodic riff and brilliantly intertwined guitars with supporting vocals elevate the music. When the band launches into their guitar solos again, the drums and bass stand out with remarkable vigor, creating an intense and pulsating atmosphere. "Blowing Free" brings a more conventional rock sound but remains captivating. The guitar, mostly smooth, combines with striking bass lines and a subtle drum performance, forming a sweet harmony. The song features a dynamic pause that returns with an excellent guitar solo. At times, the musical aura evokes the feel of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's Déjà Vu, a comparison that naturally arises when listening to the track.
"The King Will Come" is a song that I sometimes think I underappreciate, but upon revisiting it, it's impossible not to recognize it as one of the greatest ever made in rock history. It starts subtly, with a marching drum, a background wah-wah guitar, and another rhythm guitar, a soft bass; everything builds up until the track truly takes off with one of the most sensational guitar riffs I've ever heard. "The King Will Come" is living proof of why Argus is so remarkable, with its beautiful vocal harmonies, folk-like lyrics, and instrumental passages that bring back the initial riff, accompanied by sublime guitar solos. For me, this is the definitive track of the band, vibrant and unforgettable.
"Leaf and Stream" has a pastoral atmosphere, with melodic vocals and sensitive guitars. The track's construction is a balm for the soul, as if angels were whispering in our ears. This acoustic and poetic ballad serves as a peaceful interlude before the band resumes vigor in a more intense-sounding track. "Warrior" is one of the album's most iconic songs. Intense and passionate, it brings a folk-rock feel but with the weight of the guitars. The lyrics suggest that the "warrior" on the cover has defeated the tyrant and now finds peace. The song features a traveling instrumental passage with emotively sung verses. Once again, the guitars are the standout element. The music continuously builds up to an apotheotic finale.
"Throw Down the Sword" closes the album, and I clearly remember the first time I heard it. As the track played, I thought the album could have ended with something less conventional. But then, the final two minutes ensnared me in a loop I struggled to escape. The climax is simply brilliant. The twin guitars, still a novelty to me at the time, proved to be one of the most skillful works I’ve ever known. The two guitars soloing in perfect harmony over an excellent instrumental base. What initially seemed like a lukewarm ending to a magnificent album maintained its brilliance with an apotheotic solo, one of the best in rock history.
Argus is an album that masterfully combines precise musicianship with genuine emotion. It embodies all the characteristics of a rock classic, an extremely original record that, with each new listen reveals new qualities, keeping us always captivated and enchanted.
NOTA:9.5/10
Tracks
Listing:
1.
Time Was (9:42)
2. Sometime World (6:55)
3. Blowin' Free (5:18)
4. The King Will Come (7:06)
5. Leaf and Stream (3:55)
6. Warrior (5:53)
7. Throw Down the Sword (5:55)
Ouça, "The King Will Come"
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário