Alakran: Otra Vez En Las Calles (1991 - 2023) | Rocking Out Again
(2M Productions – 2023)
As a continuation of the re-release of “Vagabundear”, Alakran’s second full-length album, originally released in 1991, could not be missing. For this work there were some changes in Alakran’s line-up, with the already known Pablo Naydon being behind the drumheads and adding David Rottemberg as a stable member on keyboards.
If we have to make a comparison between the first album and this “Otra Vez En Las Calles”, as a first issue we can notice a much more elaborate and careful composition in each song as can be seen in “Traidor” (undoubtedly the best song on the album), “Rompiendo Las Cadenas Que Nos Detienen” or “Luces De La Gran Ciudad”, giving an unexpected twist in the style that Alakran had already accustomed us. The growth in that sense is felt. The Hard Rock is present in tracks like “Sin Señal Exterior”, “Cuanto Más Fuerte (Ella Es La Mejor)” or the one that gives its name to this album.
The ballad of the album is embodied in the excellent and impressive “Soy Libre Igual”. They also took the time to include the Creedence Clearwater Revival cover, “Proud Mary”, calling the attention that this time they did not include their own song in English as in the debut album.
It is strange about Alakran, especially because at the time of its release, “Otra Vez En las Calles” met the standards of that era and what was heard in those days in general, so it is surprising that it has not had a greater transcendence than it had at the time, especially if we take into account that this album was a big bet for the band.
The production and the sound in general improved substantially and that was a great achievement. Think that in those years it was not so easy to be able to get a good recording place or work with a good engineer. It was already quite an achievement to be able to record and release an album. For this case, the band counted on Nestor “Pajáro” Randazzo behind the console, who had already played the same role with Logos in “La Industria Del Poder” no more and no less. For this re-edition, the well-known “En Nadie Confío” is added as a bonus track, which had only seen the light of day in the compilation released in 1997.
After the release of this album, the band would definitely disband, although later on we would see some occasional reunions (and even the release of a live album). Meanwhile, Mario Ian would continue his Rock and Metal career with projects such as IAN and Devenir, as well as getting involved with Rata Blanca, while Pablo Naydon would venture with Oconnor.
Having been out of print for some time now, it is good news that this work is once again available both on CD and vinyl. The reissue is rather modest although it can be said that the remastering is very good, achieving a very good sound. Also included are the lyrics and technical data, as appropriate, and a period photo. The graphic aspect is very good and correct, keeping the original album cover.
As we had already pointed out with “Vagabundear”, we applaud and celebrate that jewels lost in time like this, are once again available in physical format. As for Alakran, let’s hope that at some point, Mario will review his archives and be able to rescue some other lost and unreleased material, such as the band’s original demo released back in 1985, unreleased songs or maybe some vintage live recordings. In the meantime, this is a good opportunity to rediscover a very good album, or otherwise, get to know one of the key bands of the good old days.
To get both the CD and the Vinyl, just click on www.2mproducciones.com.ar
