PALEPOLI

When it comes to italian progressive rock music, we speak about symphonic prog mostly. Palepoli by Osanna is album of the contrasts. There are moments absolutely and completely different each other. I would like to review the album song by song, instead of the fact they are only three (two compositions and one very short moment like intro) :

1. Oro Caldo - the first one is long composition close to twenty minutes. It begins with some sounds, that reminds me to the Far East culture. It shades off fast section with happy feelings all around. It reminds me to carnival-influenced parts, because of the higher tunes here. It doesn't coincide very much with progressive music. After that it comes the turn of the gentle section which is really progressive and good enough. It features accompaniment on flute, that adds additional comfort for the listeners. Probably the best part of the song and one of the best on entire album. It features vocals (like the previous carnival part), instead of the next hard rocking part. It was followed by hard rock piece with average sound in terms of quality and intensity. I believe it is not the most suitable moment for such a hard piece. Then it comes again the turn of the gentle motif, but this time with accompaniment on sax, but not flute - interesting idea!!! Again followed by the hard rocking instrumental theme with guitar sounding. Then the vocals come back after the long instrumental. The song finish with some psychedelic/carnival moments.

2. Stanza cittа - the second one here is a short middle section intro for me! It features some echoes and flute works with strong folk influence. It continues not more than two minutes.

3.Animale senza respiro - the third song is the second giant composition on the album, over twenty minutes. It begins with chaotic psychedelic tunes; after that there are some brief tunes looking like echoes. This is something like overture. Then, it comes to the gentle theme, that repeats all over the album; with guitar and gentle keyboards; then the band adds bass for the end of the section and passes through the exciting guitar solo moments. I don't like the carnival approach in serious music like that, which continues from here for a few minutes. Then, again psychedelic tunes with very dark atmosphere, followed by progressive guitar solo with accompaniment on electronic keyboards and quiet voice. Then, we receive what we need most - first: flute solo and second: harmonized vocals made by a couple of men. This section ends dramatically with all instruments included. It is followed by chaotic piece with all instruments included and theatrical atmosphere all around. Later we can hear drum solo, too. There are some choir works, afterwards! The end is remarkable - with glorious march!!!

After my analysis song by song and moment by moment, I would like to tell my opinion about the whole album Palepoli by Osanna. I find it very ambitious work and I admire of it! I don't like the mercurial and convivial moments in such a serious music. These feelings make the music too carnival like I say earlier!!! Moreover, I don't think the sound is really clear. It's not crystal, but blunt. Otherwise, the structure and the composition fully meet my requirements and tastes for irregular manner of making music. The combination of ideas got worked! As for the mark, firstly I should give lesser mark: perhaps 3.5, but it really deserves 4 full honest stars! I think there already are only one obstacle for 5 stars giving and it is my hostility about that kind of circus and carnival themes on the album. IV ****