DESTINAZIONI

4.5 stars. It's really hard to believe that this is MELTING CLOCK's debut. Everything is so professional and first class, like they've been releasing albums for years. "Destinazioni" was released in 2019 on Black Widow Records. Just over an hour of music here over nine tracks. A six piece band including two guitarists and a female vocalist. She sings in Italian but they've translated the lyrics to English in the liner notes along with the Italian lyrics. The "Thankyou" section is in Italian though but I see the drummer mentions Mike Portnoy and Gavin Harrison.

While the opener and closer are my two favourites, this is a consistent record. The keyboards and guitar solo, although the keyboardist adds synths to great affect, especially the atmosphere he creates. Some really good organ reminding me of the classic RPI bands like LE ORME. We get some guests adding violoncello, flute and percussion. This is just all so well done, yes I'm really impressed.

"Caleidoscopio" opens with these amazing feel good sounds before the vocals arrive. This track is 8 1/2 minutes long and has some really nice instrumental sections, emotion with those vocals after 2 minutes especially, but again around 3 1/2 minutes. But I love the sounds of this track. The repeated themes too. They change it up but keep it familiar. Like the change at 5 minutes where it turns darker with more depth. The keyboards and guitar shine. How about the beautiful piano melodies to start "Banalmente" as the vocals quickly join in. This does get heavier and male vocals from the keyboardist will help out as well. Lots of piano though. Nice guitar solo too though.

"Vetro" opens like we're listening to an epic part of a movie before settling quickly with picked guitar and more. This is better when the drums and percussion arrive along with the female vocal melodies. She's singing after 1 1/2 minutes. Such an interesting track. The synths, bass, picked guitar, random drum patterns. It all is so impressive. Attention to detail. A feel good section around 3 minutes in with vocals. A jazzy vibe to this one. It takes it's time too.

How gorgeous are those guitar melodies to start "Strade Affollate"? Female vocals join in, almost speaking. Ballad-like. "L'occhio Dello Sciacallo" has male and female vocals plus that violoncello 1 1/2 minutes in which sounds great. The shortest track under 3 minutes but a really good one. "Antares" has more of those male and female vocals along with violoncello. I like the nature sounds to open though as acoustic guitar plays over top. Sounds swell with the strings then a change to a trippy sound with female vocals. Nice. Man I like this band! A really good instrumental section as well around 4 minutes, but the one earlier at 2 1/2 minutes is just as good.

"Sono Luce" opens with a lone piano line but this will build some with bass then guitar helping out. It kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes with the synths leading. Love this. Drums are well done along with the bass here. I could listen to this all day. Vocals don't arrive until after 4 minutes with piano and drums. A pleasant guitar solo follows then wordless vocals. A great tune. "Quello Che Rimane..." is a short piece at over 3 minutes. Pretty much soundscape music really at first. I like this. Lots of synths. Light beats and a change at 1 1/2 minutes. Guitar and bass too, all very tasteful as wordless vocals arrive. She doesn't stay long.

The closer opens sounding like Prog metal. Powerful stuff with energy. And riffs! Oh, that RPI organ is special. Love the mournful guitar as it settles. Vocals will come and go along with those powerful sections and spacey calms as this epic 15 minute title track plays out. An incredible closer that has me wanting more. "Destinazioni" is a must for RPI fans.

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