Leave it to Italy to once again produce another promising progressive rock band firmly rooted in the classic 70’s sounds of E.L.P., Jethro Tull, Genesis, PFM, and Banco. This five-piece has created quite a stir recently, and judging by the lush flutes, acoustic guitars, melodic Italian vocals, and especially the over –the –top array of keyboard sounds, it’s readily apparent why.
As I stated above, there are plenty of vintage keyboard antics going on here compliments of Mutti Michele, who is quite a talented player. Combining an arsenal that includes Hammond C3 organ, Mellotron, Fender Rhodes electric piano, and various synthesizers, Mutti gives the album a strong nostalgic feel. Lovers of Emerson, Wakeman and Banks will have a major reason to indulge themselves on the varied use of all these instruments that permeate each track. While there is no electric guitar, gentle acoustic guitar pops up occasionally, as well as soaring lead flute lines and acrobatic bass guitar. I found that there was a nice flow to the CD’s nine tracks, and while mostly instrumental, the melodic vocals sung in Italian are quite nice.
This band should have a happy future ahead of them if they continue along these same lines. Instant comparisons to early PFM come to mind when you initially pop this disc in, and although not as complex, there is a nice mixture of pastoral imagery combined with expert musicianship that makes this a winner all around.
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