Urban Trapeze – Reactivated Tarkus (self-release, 2021)
As you would expect from the album cover and title, this newly recorded album from Spanish progressive rock band Urban Trapeze is inspired by the iconic Tarkus album released by Emerson Lake and Palmer (ELP) in 1971. However, this album is not a rehash of ELP material. Instead, the band remarkably takes the Tarkus story further and skillfully incorporates various diverse progressive rock influences.
Most of the music is composed by keyboardist Daniel Seglers, with some help from guitarist Jan Satorras. Although keyboards play a major role in Urban Trapeze and the ELP influences are clearly visible, the Barcelona-based band uses the flute widely, which makes the music quite different from ELP. In fact, you’ll hear echoes of Camel and Canterbury bands as well as Italian masters like Le Orme and PFM and let’s not forget the similarities with flute-led band Gotic, a pioneering progressive rock band from Barcelona, Spain. Certainly, Reactivated Tarkus delivers deeply satisfying music for progressive rock fans who like the real thing.
You might be familiar with the band’s debut album, also titled Reactivated Tarkus, released in 2005. However, the first Reactivated Tarkus featured live demos, while the new Reactivated Tarkus includes finely crafted studio recordings and additional tracks. Furthermore, the new limited edition was released on vinyl with a gatefold cover and you also get a CD tucked inside.
Notably, you’ll find new artwork, inspired by Tarkus on the front cover and interior.
The lineup includes Daniel Seglers on keyboards and lead vocals; Juan Camilo Anzola on drums; Jan Satorras on guitars; Daniel Fernández on bass and backing vocals; and Marc Viaplana on flutes.
The limited edition album is available from the usual progressive rock mail order outlets like Wayside Music and Laser’s Edge, so get it while you can.