Bauer is an Argentine melodic-prog band. All of the lyrics are in Spanish, but the atmosphere that this band permeates makes the vocals simply another instrument playing the melody or harmony. This is not jazz, but it plays like a jazz album, with different instruments (including vox) taking the forefront while the rest of the band weaves a tapestry of ear-loving sounds. Astronauta Olividado is fairly laid back, and you won't rock very hard with this CD, but it also has so much going on that it feels more active than it is.
Most of the tracks fall in the 6:00 to 8:00 minute mark, but none feel long. Opener "De las nubes al sol, del sol al espacio, del espacio al vacío" has a longer title than the entire lyric content on the song. This songs weaves in and around, never really taking flight, but it's low orbit is very reminiscent of Iona. On several songs, the piano of Martin Mykietiw is startling clear and precise. On other songs, the moog gets cranked up and a whole other texture is introduced. Bass player Ezequiel Esposito is far up in the mix which is very, very important with how mellow this CD sometimes gets. "La mañana verde" and the title track, "Astronauta Olvidado", have Floyd overtones, where as "Vendrán lluvias suaves" reminded me of Radiohead.
I really do not have much history on Bauer since I do not read Spanish, but I can tell you that this 2004 release is excellent mood music. If you are looking to tap your toes, this isn't the CD to stick in the juke-box, but if you want to challenge your ear-drum and experience emotional playing with sold songwriting, then Astronauta Olividado is worth listening too.
Track listing
1. De las nubes al sol, del sol al espacio, del espacio al vacío
2. El verano del cohete
3. Astronauta olvidado
4. Novelty
5. La mañana verde
6. Zurich queda en París
7. Falla en el transbordador
8. Vendrán lluvias suaves
9. Durmiendo en la nieve de Gerry
10. Hemos traído rocas lunares
11. Un camino a través del aire
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