THEATRE

Struggling Italian band from Milano, initially named Brainstorm, found in 1987 by keyboardist Alessandro Farinella, singer Jean Marie Guieu, guitarist Pietro Foi, guitarist Piero Ottana and drummer Alessio Cobau.The band would record three demo tapes over the span of six years, but suffered also from line-up changes with Guieu and Cobau quiting and being replaced by Ricky Tonko (he became also the lyricist of the band) and Giorgio Bartoloni.Just before releasing their full-length debut Farinella also left the band and was replacec by Silver Sancio.Finally ''No More Rhymes But Mr. Brainstorm'' was released in 1993 on Mellow Records.

Theatre performed an elaborate and melodic Neo/Symphonic Progressive Rock similar to MARILLION and Tonko's later formation MOONGARDEN with strong vintage influences.With a decent Italian vocalist like Ricky Tonko it is reasonable the band to throw in plenty of nice lyrical textures among their symphonic leanings.Generally the album flows into a smooth and polished atmosphere, alternating between dramatic MARILLION-esque and some warmer moments and containing series of wel-crafted melodies.The tracks are quite long, fully developing Theatre's ideas, and having an attractive sound based on the organ themes, the careful use of synthesizers and the melodic guitar solos.Among the Neo Prog bands of the time Theatre were definitely among the ones having some sort of retro aesthetics in their music and the intense organ-led passages is the most important reason.On the other hand the arrangements sound a bit flat at times with too many lyrics and less instrumental diversity, while the music lacks a bit of energy level.

The band possibly split after this release with Tonko joining Cristiano Roversi's Moongarden the next year, while original keyboardist Alessandro Farinella appeared many years later with a few solo albums.

Good example of early-90's Neo/Symphonic Progressive Rock with plenty of decent melodies and elegant acoustic soundscapes.Not a milestone of the genre, but definitely one worth spinning.

Here is an Italian five piece band that released this album in 1993. Unfortunately it turned out to be their swangsong. Listening to their music mid-Genesis (twanging acoustic guitars, volume-pedal and organ play) and especially Marillion (fiery Rothery-like guitar, quick Kelly inspired synth runs and Fish emotion) came to my mind. The 9 compositions sound entertaining, melodic, alternating and contain not too self-indulgent soli on guitar and kebyoards. The highlight is the long track "Diddle, riddle (Mr. Brainstorm in the middle)" featuring good Rothery-like guitarwork and fine keyboard play (sampled Mellotron waves). The progrock from Theatre is far from original but sound pleasant, if you like Arrakeen or Citizen Cain this is a CD to check out.

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