O Terço – Criaturas da Noite (Copacabana COE 41346, 1975 / reissued by Vinyl Magic on CD)
Criaturas da Noite (Creatures of the Night) was the third album by Brazilian band O Terço. Although this group is regarded as one of the leading progressive rock bands in 1970’s Brazil, on this recording the group presented a mix of musical styles. The album opens with a hard rocking piece titled ‘Hey Amigo’ that has Uriah Heep influence.
Next comes ‘Queimada,’ a folk-rock song with great vocal harmony work that shows clear influences from Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
The third cut ‘Pano de Fundo’ continues with the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young sound although the piece develops into a more progressive mode by the end.
With instrumental track 4, ‘Ponto Final,‘ O Terço finally ventures into full blown progressive rock. Keyboards take the leading role with a mix of piano, splendid mellotron and synths.
‘Volte na Próxima Semana’ is another rocker.
Criaturas da Noite combines well-crafted vocal harmonies with piano and symphonic strings with a memorable guitar conclusion.
The folk-rock style comes back on the lively ‘Jogo das Pedras.’
The final selection is the longest composition, titled ‘1974.’ As you can imagine this is also the best and most progressive piece on the album. This uplifting piece features a great combination of keyboards and guitars with multiple rhythmic and harmonies variations. ‘1974’ is O Terço’s masterwork from that era.
The lineup on Criaturas da Noite featured Sérgio Hinds on guitar and vocals; Sérgio Magrão on bass and vocals; Luiz Moreno on percussion and vocals; and Flávio Venturini on piano, organ, synths and vocals. Guests include Cezar De Merces on percussion and vocals; Marisa Fossa on vocals; and Rogerio Duprat on orchestrations.