J-Man With their first album for Moonjune Records (and third album overall), instrumental progressive rock trio Dialeto has shown themselves to be one of the most powerful rising forces in Brazil. An eclectic mix of progressive rock, post rock, and jazz, rounded off by a raw and heavy edge, the music of The Last Tribe makes for a unique observation that features some dazzling displays of high-class musicianship. Dialeto's complete sound is created by only Nelson Coelho on guitar, Jorge Pescara on touch guitar, and Miguel Angel on drums, but the arrangements are still full and powerful - Pescara's expressive basswork especially grabs my attention, as his unique playing style and choice of instrumentation adds an original edge to Dialeto's style.

The Last Tribe does have a few shortcomings, though; the production doesn't sound fully professional to these ears (the hollow drum sound particularly stands out) and not all of the tracks are as memorable as the others, but neither of these are crippling setbacks. The bottom line is that this is still an expertly-performed slab of instrumental prog with some great tunes like "Windmaster" and "Lydia in the Playground" to top it all off. The Last Tribe is a strong effort from Dialeto, and any fan of instrumental progressive rock should find plenty to love here!

progshine Instrumental music can be very tricky. Usually you have two roads to follow: the well-crafted road and the jamming away nonsense road. I have known Dialeto for quite some time and I even reviewed their latest album Chromatic Freedom (2010). I confess that when I have heard that the band was going full instrumental I was a bit worried that they would go down the second road. I also liked their unique and 'weird' style.

Dialeto has new 'wheels' to ride. In the past, the driver of the bass was Andrei Ivanovic, he used to play the fretless bass. In The Last Tribe (2013) Dialeto's low notes were played by Jorge Pescara (I already reviewed his latest solo album progshine.net/2013/06/review- jorge-pescara-knight-without.html). Jorge doesn't exactly play only the bass, he plays the Megatar and touch-guitars. They're like the Chapman Stick, but in Dialeto's The Last Tribe (2013) they fulfill the bass role with an extra. The rest of the band is still the same with Nelson Coelho (guitars) and Miguel Angel (drums).

The Last Tribe (2013) was recorded between the end of 2012 and beginning of 2013 and it's their first international record, being released by Moonjune Records. The album was produced and Mixed by Nelson Coelho and the band and was mastered by Fabio Golfetti (the leader of Violeta De Outono). Not much different from their latest album. Nelson is also responsible for the great cover artwork. The album was released in the format that they call eco-pack. For me it's just a cardboard envelope. Which is kind sad, cause the cover art would be great in a well-made digipack.

But what really matters is the music inside The Last Tribe (2013). And I'm happy to say that my worries turned out to be unfounded. The music on the album is good and interesting. 'Windmaster' opens the album and it's like the track is speaking to you, and it's very clear that Jorge added a new dimension to Dialeto's sound.

Some tracks like 'Dorian Grey', 'Lydia In The Playground', 'Whereisit' and 'Sand Horses' are dense and full of guitar layers everywhere, but never forgetting the melodies. In general The Last Tribe (2013) is very well balanced, the songs are not too lengthy, this is clever, the listener will not get tired.

'Unimpossible' is the longest track with 7'47. It's a bit nonsense till the second minute when the track becomes intense and interesting. Some tracks, like 'Tarde Demais' start with no drums and are focused on the guitar melodies, but as soon as the drums appear they make everything better.

'Vintitreis' remind me of the 'old' Dialeto and it's my favorite on the album. 'Chromaterius' closes the album as a soundtrack to a thriller movie. Once again they fool the listener and the drums comes kicking hard towards the end of the song. The touchguitars play as if they were a cello and everything sounds like a mini orchestra. A good ending, indeed. I'm happy to say that Dialeto's The Last Tribe (2013) is based on good, well-crafted and melodic compositions rather than free jamming. It makes you want to listen to the album again.

Dialeto's could have been travelling on thin ice with this album, instead, they're now driving on the safe highways of good music. Recommended!

(Originally posted on progshine.net)

kev rowland Oh. My. God. What we have here is yet another awesome band that have been uncovered by Leonardo, this time from Brazil. This instrumental trio comprise Nelson Coelho (guitar), Jorge Pescara (touch guitars) and Miguel Angel (drums) and in many ways are quite unlike anything I have come across before. Apparently this band originally formed in 1987, but were on ice for a long period before getting back together in 2006, after which they released a couple of albums. Last year original bassist Andrei Ivanovic left, to be replaced by Jorge who instead plays touch guitar and this is their first album since then. What makes these guys so unique, is the way that they are bringing together so many different styles and forms of music in a way that is progressive, instrumental, heavy and containing so many influences that one doesn’t really know where to start.

So, with an instrumental trio it isn’t unusual for there to be plenty of jazz structures and tendencies, and that is indeed the case. But, there are times when these guys move from 13/8 into standard 4/4 without missing a beat and all of a sudden we have shredders that are moving the music in a very different direction indeed. It is slow, it is reflective, it is hard, it is in your face. Miguel is the one person attempting very hard to keep the others in line, as Jorge is not adverse to providing a secondary lead line, very different to what one would expect to a ‘normal’ bassist (although he can also hunker down when the time is right). But Nelson is a real star, with a wonderfully fluid touch that is reminiscent of the great Allan Holdsworth, yet often much more in the face in the style of Satriani.

This album could only ever be described as progressive, yet there are only the three instruments on show, which just goes to show what can be delivered by those who have totally mastery and understanding of what they need to achieve. This may be their third album in recent years, but the first to get a full international release, and I know that we are going to hear a great deal more from these guys. Just stunning. www.moonjune.com