Basal Ganglia

First off, this record is wonderful.Can’t complain about the sound quality. But the first complaint I have is the diameter of the record. It is not standard 12”. However it is still for 33 1/3 rpm. This isn’t really an issue for most unless you have an automatic turntable or a turntable with a “start” function that controls the arm and drops the stylus exactly where a regular 12” album would begin. Upon my first listen, I didn’t notice the smaller size and I hit start and heard a Terrible sound of my stylus scratching my platter cover. SORRY STYLUS. Thank goodness it still works.My second gripe is that if i’m not mistaken the album cover artwork is actually printed on the B side instead of the A side. This seems counterintuitive to me but what do I know?Lastly but probably the first thing I noticed about this product is that the dust cover is made out of plastic. And honestly i’d Like the artwork and the novelty of vinyl but i’m still undecided as to how much that really bothers me.As for the merchant, my experience was positive and nothing out of the ordinary. No surprises or delays.

.....it makes me a little crazy how fast this album flies by......but what it lacks in length it makes up for in complexity, even for an EP length installment.I first bought this on MP3 but took a chance and stepped up to the CD (some low cost sellers out there if you look) and it was worth it. First of all, I would say this is different than both Animals and TRAM....very much his own ideas and influences and less fit into a band as #2 gun. Complex layering of electronics/processing is all over, even the "solo" guitar tracks - which there really aren't any. I'm still trying to decipher some background sounds on a few atmospheric tracks like "Olvidala" and "Semilla"...little drum snare rattles or rolls hiding in the background, some amazing double tracking.And then there's this righteous prog/jazz drummer through most tracks...what's that, it's ALL PROGRAMMED?! Get out of town! The drums and fills really propel these songs - and some overlayering of "percussion" by one Hector Darez. Ethnic percussion melts into drum set then back while the guitar multiple parts weave in and around it on "Menta". Power with style....this EP avoids the math prog and shred that Animals and similar bands rely on, and I think it brings the listener further in.My one complain is the dynamics - first the strident "Te Mato" opens, rocks hard and then the tempo of the album quickly settles back into a hammock nap, only to jumpstart again with "Menta" and end on a fast romantic spacey tune "Luz y Cielo". All okay over more songs and lengths, but here it comes off a bit claustrophobic. Still, GREAT effort, really enjoy it and wish for a full length effort...he can even recycle these if need be. Recommended for any Prog Heads.

I love Javier Reyes. I like the album. It's not as awesome as Animals As Leaders, but a chance to hear Javier is always good. I'd love to hear him put out an album of classical guitar recordings.

The album is a tremendous EP, althought it does leave alot lacking, it's a great start of what we can look forward from javier reyes.I was expecting way more distorted songs from him as seeing how he's the low end guy, but he really has alot to say in musicianship.He should truly be on everyone's map.Can't wait for the new AAL album.Only low points are the few number of songs so for that (unless you have the money for it) i didn't buy the CD album. If this album had atleast 12 songs it would've easily made my collection.The amazon cloud is very convenient though.

Javier Reyes on his own is an amazing extended range guitar player, which is one of the reasons that Animals As Leaders is such an amazing band. If you like AAL then this is a must buy, Reyes has such a unique style and it really stands out a lot more on his Mestis work. A must buy!

Expanding upon his technical 8-string guitar stylings from Animals As Leaders, Javier Reyes has proven that there's a ton more you can do with 8 strings than chugging heavy riffs. Lots of Latin and Classical influences with a fantastic balance of heavy pulsing riffage and smooth melody. I can't get enough of this album and the down-side is that it isn't longer!

Javier Reyes is the second guitarist for the progressive metal act Animals as Leaders.This music does not represent AAL at all, but Reyes' own work.Every track has something to offer from a musical and technical standpoint.Really unique sound, and a really cool flavor of spanish-influenced melodies and woodwinds.Luz y Cielo is an absolute masterpiece, and is probably my favorite song on the EP.Worth the money if you are willing to explore some new music!

I chose five stars because the sounds emitted by the instruments played in this band are so soothing and relaxing, but that might be debatable. If you like Instrumentals, then this is for you. If you like Animals As Leaders, then this is for you and if you like TRAM, then this is just for you.

Mit nur 5 Tracks normaler Spieldauer ein etwas kurzes aber nicht minder fesselndes Hörerlebnis. Ich bekomm einfach nicht genug vom 8-Saiter Sound. Vielen Dank an Javier Rayes für diese frische Musik.