L'ENIGMA DELLA VITA

LogoS has been around for nearly 20 years, having released two interesting self-produced albums around 2000. They have returned in full force now in 2014, releasing a new album, "L'Enigma della Vita." The only remaining founding member is Luca Zerman, and over the intervening years he has assembled a band that have been playing live and composing together for a while, honing and shaping their pieces. Finally the end result is in, and it's a phenomenal accomplishment! As good as the first two are, they suffered somewhat from musical production and mature composition. This new album is head and shoulders above their first two albums, and the production is superb.

"L'Enigma della Vita" is on the spacey side of Rock Progressivo Italiano, creating lush atmospheres with two keyboardists (à la Banco) and a driving rhythm section. (A reference point might be Wish You Were Here era Pink Floyd seen through an RPI lens.) Soaring delicate guitars predominate as well, although they are often used to propel the pieces forward instead of the keys. Keys are generally present in the form of strings, organ, piano, mellotron, and solo synth leads, always tasteful and rich sounding. Vocals are sparse on the album, and when they appear they fit well in the context of the music.

The album gets better with each listen, and my favorite tracks are constantly changing. Current favorites include "In Fuga," with its stuttering melody lines and pulsating rhythm section. The soaring keys and guitars alternate solos, both playing over rhythm guitar and keyboard background. I especially love the little RPI piano riff.

Another is "In Principio." The beginning acoustic guitar over some gentle cascading keys gently escort the voice, as they continue their interplay. Then come the flutes, which marks the beginning of an excellent departure--the Hackett-like interlacing guitar and keyboard lines entertain for a bit, then give way to a driving rhythm with a nice electric piano solo, but still continuing their subtle contribution to the whole. A marvelous passage!

Near the end of the album we are treated to "Pioggia in Campagna," which is remarkable for opening with a military type march, possibly a reference to the campagna in the title. About a third of the way into the piece, we get a slightly angular RPI piano riff, over which there is some killer dirty Hammond soloing. Just great stuff!

I am thrilled that LogoS have been able to finally complete this album, many years in the making. It's been a long journey for them, and we've been waiting for a long time. But it's finally here, and I encourage you to grab a copy. Visit the band's website, which has (or shortly will have) links to the multiple vendors around the globe that will stock this wonderful gem, which is distributed by Andromeda Relix.

Five stars! (Gnosis 14/15)

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