Peru Forlian

Peru have released a number of albums throughout their career, and a dedicated article could make interesting reading. If I ever did get around to preparing such, I know which album I’d recommend as their best - ‘Forlian’. I first heard Peru on the excellent 1989 KLEM CD, with their track ‘Valley’ being one of the highlights. They are a band not averse to embarking on sequencer epics, a fact ably demonstrated on ‘Valley’, however ‘Forlian’ actually finds them in punchier and more concise mode with vibrant and purposeful pieces abounding. I last reviewed this album in Zenith#2 and focussed on 3 tracks which, for me, remain key to the album. However, hearing this with fresh ears it’s worth mentioning most of the pieces packaged here. The title track opens with robust rhythmics and precise sequencing. The accompanying motif sounds initially lightweight but familiarity does reveal the true credentials of the piece and the choir pads flesh out the sound perfectly. ‘Iceland’ opens with busy yet slightly foreboding sequences punctuated with flute detail. This is cleverly contrasted with an optimistic interlude before the sequences return supplemented with richer themes. ‘Whales’ is track 3 and the usual aquatic effects are on show, however this track develops into a hugely infectious outing with a beautiful “falling note” lead motif and powerful rhythmics. ‘East and West’ certainly has a “cold war” feel about it, with Soviet thematics hosting some more sequenced trickery which imparts more than a hint of TD’s ‘Poland’. First of my aforementioned trio is ‘Journey Through the Land’ which opens with wide eyed sonic vistas, optimistic almost to the point of incredulity. To be fair, I’ve always thought they over-cooked the opening but it’s probably my impatience to hear the real heart of this track. Slow sequencing emerges after 3½ minutes then a spine tingling infectious melody converts the track into an anthemic gem. ‘City’ throws plenty of sequencing into the mix but it’s never been a favourite, probably a combination of predictability and uninspiring melodics sealing its fate. ‘Wiosna’ is actually better than I remember it, with some fine sequencing and decent themes. The second of my trio, the uninvitingly titled ‘Troll’, follows and this is where this album starts to adopt major league status. It’s only 3:25 long but what a track! Fantastic sequencing and a beautifully structured melody force you to crank up the volume and bask in the glory. Finally we have the notorious ‘Africa’. Only Peru could develop gargantuan sequencing, off-set it with quirky and repetitive detail which both annoys and entices all at once, then round it all off with elephantine shenanigans and get away with it! The longest track at 10:35, the track loses the quirkyness at 4 minutes and machetes through dense sequencing helped by some well worked themes. It’s a great track! This is one of those albums which is great to dip into for a couple of tracks, or to listen to in its entirety. It’s 10 years old and still going strong, and if you fancy hearing Peru at their best ‘Forlian’ is the album for you. (GG)

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