Introduction
Whenever Portugal comes to mind, I picture Cristiano Ronaldo, Pastel De Nata, and Port Wine. However, those will no longer be the first thing I think of… From now on it will be El Saguaro! This heavy psychedelic rock band from Lisbon bring it!
With mind-blowing guitar solos, momentum building drums, and a groovy bass line, they create something extraordinary. And let’s not forget the powerful vocals that bring to mind the great bands of the 70s.
As we dive into their debut EP ‘Enthusiecstasy’, prepare to sit back and fully enjoy the flight! After all you do have a ticket to fly.
Review
Ticket To Fly
It seems we’ve arrived at the boarding gate, as this track kicks off with a fast-paced riff accompanied by drums that grab me . The riff loops just long enough before a fresh twist to maintain the excitement. The delightful bass undertone brings a strong rounded depth to the song.
I have no complaints about the vocals; they give me really nostalgic feelings and are reminiscent of the past, yet with a refreshing twist. When combined with the foundations provided by backing vocals they elevate even higher.
“If you see me around
Time to leave this town.”
This song was the perfect choice to kick off the EP, and if this is the ticket to fly, I can’t wait for the journey and destination!
I found myself rewinding one of the guitar solos five times during my first listen, eager to absorb every note. The sudden pause in the music caught me off guard, but when it returns it has an almost funk like quality to it. Vocals yet again are exceptional, yet they have a unique twist added in this section that sets them apart.
The bass and drum players have a deep understanding of each other’s style, and when the guitar joins in, it simply adds a cherry atop the already delicious cake.
What A Start!
Viaje
The song opens with a stunning chord progression that evokes the feeling of strolling through the sunlit streets of Portugal, paired with a refreshing drink. Even though I don’t speak a word of Portuguese, it hardly matters; the true highlight of this track is the catchy riff that makes several appearances.
The guitar style here reminds me of Santana, complemented by fantastic drumming from the first beat. The dynamic rhythm has me nodding my head even before that incredible guitar solo kicks in. I won’t complain about the solo’s length; it’s not repetitive but rather a beautifully crafted piece layered over magnificent bass.
I would appreciate even more of fuzz , and although the start of this song was gentle, the rest was far from it. Nevertheless, I would still choose it for my walks around the city!
Nazare
As I listened to this song, I felt as if I were moving through abandoned old western towns on horseback, surrounded only by cacti. It would fit perfectly in a cowboy film, and I would absolutely love that! Then, out of nowhere, the song erupts all guns blazing!
Momentum, momentum, momentum! It takes courage to include an instrumental on a debut EP, but why not take the leap? The musicians clearly possess immense talent, so they should flaunt their skills! While it may be a bold statement, I can’t help but think of Jimi Hendrix as I listen to this song.
If I were however to express a criticism of the song, it would be related to a specific annoyance of mine. The prolonged note that drags on at the end I find headache inducing! Additionally, I’m puzzled as to why the song abruptly stops 8 seconds before it actually finishes.
Slow N Easy
In the future, when I think back to this, I will remember its outstanding bass line and exceptional drumming. We are back to English vocals and here they add a powerful touch! I believe this song could have functioned even better as an instrumental compared to the previous one, although I think the lyrics and the vocals are exceptional.
As the song unfolds, it exudes a bold and confrontational vibe that truly grabs your attention. I’m genuinely excited about the addition of a drum solo, which is a rare treat. Plus, the Wah Wah effect on the guitar has me eagerly anticipating what these musicians will create next!
What puzzles me a bit though is the absence of vocals for the rest of the track, and indeed throughout the EP. I can’t quite grasp why there is so few, especially since they are fantastic! But I suppose that’s just a matter of personal taste.
Final Thoughts
As debut bodies of work go this is about as good as you will ever find! The opening track pulls you in from the start and the other tracks keep your interest throughout. It was bold to include an instrumental piece among just four songs. This risk paid off, showcasing their exceptional musicianship as well as chemistry.
On a personal note, I would have liked to hear a bit more of the vocals. They seem to be somewhat overshadowed. It’s surprising considering how fantastic they are! The EP features delicious guitar solos. As well as in a refreshing change to the regular forumla the drum and bass sections also get their moment to shine.
9/10
All rights to the song in this review are retained by El Saguaro. This site claims no rights over them. The images were provided by El Saguaro. The artwork was made by Echoechoillustrations. Photos were taken by Gonçalo Fabião & Joana Sousa.
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