NEW TROLLS

A compilation of early singles released as an LP, this self-titled album was recorded and released originally over the course of their first four years. With recordings beginning in and one single here from 1967, New Trolls were present for the very real genesis of the Progressive Rock genre. As I go into with some [hopefully not too condescending] detail below, many of these tracks, while, yes, very much radio-readied Pop songs, are great examples of Proto-Prog in action.

At the top of the album is "Una Miniera", released in '69. It's a melancholic chamber/symphonic Rock, very much a product of its time. The strings seemingly slow and swell pre-chorus. It's quite the effect. Certainly a solid opener, and cool to bring us into some real heavy Rock then on "Cosa Pensiamo Dell'Amore" next. As displayed briefly at the end of "Una Miniera", the drums from Gianni Belleno are a certain highlight. The start-stop throughout definitely got me, with instruments dropping out to showcase something specific (usually fairly quirky and interest-grabbing). They close everything out with Mauro Chiarugi's increasingly-oscillating organ, performing a lovely classically styled finale [writing this very much wishing I were more knowledgeable on terminology overall].

We get a great taste of their group vocals on "Lei Mi Diceva", released a year prior, not dissimilar in feel to The Turtles' Flo and Eddie to my ears; excellent range, with killer belting. Great track. What feels pretty ahead of its time sonically, just with the way things are mixed, the symphonic elements and percussion being most important, "Quella Musica" is next. Starting in the middle is a steady crescendo of anthemic, wordless group vocals immediately reminiscent to its wildly influential contemporary, "Hey Jude". Thus far, I definitely find this material pretty excellent, certainly understandably great singles/radio material; but I likewise understand, I think, the overall reception thus far, with its reaching into Prog as being relatively surface-level (as one might expect).

We're back into some fine harder Rock on the first 1970 single, "Corro Da Te"; with Giorgio D'Adamo's bass quite prominent, it's really pumping up the energy of the already forward-driving track (FFO Deep Purple). Next is actually their first ever single, the only release from '67, "Sensazioni". Immediately, this has some of the most interesting experimentation of the lot, exploring various distorting effects, all before dropping down low for a swaying verse. It's so groovy! Another one where praising the vocals is my personal cakewalk; the bridge section has more of these wordless vocal 'La'-ing, seriously to really great effect. I am really into this one for sure; seriously solid Proto Prog I'd happily point in your direction.

Evoking a Steppenwolf-bigness (haha), "Una Nuvola Bianca" (1970) is really going for my frisson; so many rich sonic offerings here. And then a surprise ballad? Something in the rhythm approaching the verse(s) reminds me of early Styx, this booming Hard Rock edge; American gruffness, no offense intended to you Italians and your own special gruffness haha. "Annalisa" keeps up this energy at its start, yet another with instrumentation drop-outs revealing really lovely balladry. They certainly do Pop big and goodly, I can attest. Not rescinding my earlier comment on the stylistic complexity of this music, I'm actually surprised how 'THIS IS NOT PROG' some of y'all are; this is an example of really proper, well-written Prog, not sorry. Sometimes definitions are fuzzy, but this is indistinguishable in its rigor and adventurous spirit as any contemporary early Proggers (here, The Nice easily came to mind, per the organ). And this guitar solo! It's like Brian May well before he entered the collective consciousness. Beautiful stuff.

Back into more straight Pop--once again not dissimilar to The Turtles--"Un'ora" brings some serious heft for being a soft pop ballad (soft, here, does not equal quiet). An acoustic guitar is its characteristic winning factor. This element continues on [most played on Spotify by a mile... half a million plays nearly!] "Io Che Ho Te", the most softie ballad of the bunch. As has been a trend, they are masters of these quieter moments, as much as they are with the heavy; one of the best compliments I've not given much consideration before. Either way, this is absolutely the least progressive thing thus far, and ironically my least favorite regardless. We are not left hanging, though: "Visioni" brings back the balls... and the fuggin' groove, man! Very familiar elements, mostly melodic, but I really can't place it. Finally, briefly introduced via Raga, "Davanti Agli Occhi Miei" is a bouncy Pop Rock tune (it's like a hair shy, genuinely, of early Avant-Pop, featuring a lot of cool experimentation). Melodically one of my least favorites, though, despite its other more obvious strengths.

True Rate: 3.25/5