Solar Secrets

Solar Secrets, the latest release from psychedelic rock trio Capsula, is one of those wonderful albums that sounds like a live concert thanks to the great production involved. Appropriately, much of that praise can go to producer Tony Visconti fresh off from working on David Bowie's first studio album in a decade. However, Capsula's mastery of their instruments and the presence of two singers really make Solar Secrets an album rock listeners should check out.

Capsula's members include Martin Guevara (vocals/guitar), Coni Duchess (vocals/bass), and Ignacio Villarejo (drums). The band formed in the late '90's and worked in their native city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Wanting to branch out, the trio moved to Bilbao, Spain in 2001 to chase their dream. Since that time, Capsula has put out records in both Spanish and English and have become fairly well known for their exciting live shows.

The psychedelic garage sound of Capsula is highlighted by Guevara and Duchess trading vocal duties on tracks and even pairing up for the occasional duet ("Blind", "The Fear"). Both are equally talented and combined with guitar work that practically sings along with the lyrics, sound great. The aforementioned guitar work is front and center on Solar Secrets and often times leaves you wanting more such as on the standout track "Constellation Freedom." Guevara provides a trippy solo at the conclusion of "Seven Crimes" and then follows that up with an addictive hook on "Dark Age." Capsula dials it back a bit on "Trails of Senselessness" which is a significantly lighter piece than anything else on the album. The band is reminiscent of an earlier period in rock where everybody didn't sound the same and the music inspired good times. Longtime fans of rock should specifically check out the vintage sounding "Birds of Wood" that closes Solar Secrets. If I hadn't known any better, I would have believed I was hearing it on a classic radio station. Recommended.