OBLIQUIZIONI D'AUTUNNO. PRIMA CHE L'AQUILONE SE NE VOLI VIA

Alas, another reunion of an RPI band born of the 1970s who felt the urge to fly the kite of creativity one more time. The renewed version of Cormorano consists of original members Raffaello Regoli, Antonio Dondi, and Gabriele Giovanardi joined by Francesco Boni, Elia Filippini, and Raffaele Marchetti. Without getting too deep into the weeds, this is a mostly different lineup from the band who recorded their 2000 album, which was actually material written in the '70s and '80s. If you're confused, worry not. This new album is, in my opinion, very much a refreshed sound deserving of attention on its own merit. In fact, when I noticed Cormorano was releasing a new album, I was not initially all that excited. Their previous album, Giro Tondo (Giro) Fuori Scena, was never a huge favorite of mine. It's pretty good, but it didn't blow me away. The new album has a mix of older and newer compositions. With the new album, it feels like they have released something special and in the moment. If it turns out to be their finale, it is a good ending.

Cormorano's sound has often been compared to RPI legends, Area, but the connection is probably more superficial than anything else. Yes, Regoli does sound remarkably like his old friend and mentor Demetrio Stratos, but the two bands and the songs themselves differ a fair bit. I would say that Area were more radical and pushing toward avant-garde areas of prog rock. Cormorano will head in that direction occasionally, but they also have their own style which is a bit more conventional and melodic. They are still quite unique and hard to compare to other current prog rock bands, but I would put them in the orbit of Altare Thotemico, another group with a bold and enigmatic frontman and vibrant, spicy songwriting. And I would say both the tone of the instruments and the production itself have a more pleasing, organic feel than what was achieved on Giro Tondo some 25 years ago.

The music of Obliquizioni D'Autunno...Prima Che L'aquilone Se Ne Voli Via took a while to seep into my heartspace, but it has grown on me exponentially with repeated plays. While the songwriting is varied and vibrant, it is not trying to confound the listener in the same manner Area may have tried 50 years ago. These guys set up their canvas first, and then each musician (and Regoli) will begin to paint with thoughtful and emotional contributions favored over flashy overplaying. Everyone finds the time and space to shine on their instrument, and when you sit and actively listen to what they are playing, you can hear easily the cool things they are coming up with. The songs seem designed perfectly to highlight the strengths of each player. The overall results are wonderful, warm, and engaging, and I notice more nuance each time I play it. And there certainly are moments where Regoli seems to channel Stratos, peppering certain sections with experimental voice technique and theatrical presentation that will amaze Area fans. But this work is not trying to capitalize by copying those old Area records.

This is a band savoring the chance to create something new and emotional, and they have succeeded. I love the artwork they chose for the cover (a huge improvement over the swan---thank you). I don't have a favorite song here as I loved nearly all of it. I appreciate the work they did on videos as well. Being an English-speaker, I can only catch glimpses of the thematic messages, but I interpret that album cover as notice to grasp at the remains of our life here and now, to seize the day if you will. I feel that Cormorano has succeeded with capturing something special musically, the kite achieving a great height on a most beautiful day. I feel like these guys loved making this music together. Perhaps we all can fly it one more time. Musica magnifica!

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