COLLAGE

Now LE ORME went Prog! Well, not totally but with a progressive content high enough to please the vast majority of prog-fans. Surprisingly, LE ORME changed their sound in a very dramatic way from the pop-rock tunes of late 60s to an almost clean prog- rock atmosphere - new decade, new trends, indeed.

Here, in "Collage", we have a clear example of proto-RPI - a tip of better things to come, not only from LE ORME but also from a series of splendid Italian acts. Also noticeable is that band members showed a more mature approach, a natural deed since they were getting older and experienced and an improved general production, meaning a better care from the label they worked for.

'Collage', the instrumental title-track, acts like an introduction card for the album as a whole, the song itself isn't strong but the prospects drawn are good. Interesting and varied keyboards action, including a harpsichord charming segment; powerful bass lines and righteous drums accompaniment.

'Era inverno' brings back the evident band vocals, very suitable for a romantic song. Sound effects and catchy instrumentation make it a pleasant track - nice interludes complemented with sometimes fierce organ action and fair drumming.

Again in 'Cemento armato' keyboards and poignant vocals dominate the scene. Now the symphonic atmosphere is replaced by a kind of fusion ambience with noted drums making the background for a persistent organ solo, broken by a nice bass playing. Not an easy song but hearable after a bunch of listenings.

'Uno sguardo verso il cielo' bears touches of late 60s band's tunes but this time with a blatant progressive orchestration. The instrumental 3-piece work greatly to provide the correct backing for the solo crooning part.

'Evasione totale' starts with weird and monotonous sound effects that leave room for another series of fusin tunes, more noticeable due to the ever-present jazz beat. Pretentious experimental parts add little to the song - the general result is overall boring.

'Immagini' rearranges the band sound in their rails and this time showing an appreciable progressive effort while the final track, 'Morte di un fiore', ends the album nicely with LE ORME displaying along only 3 minutes, a torrent of different and diverse sounds able to enchant the listener to the extreme.

As also spotted by other reviewers, "Collage", the album, is an important piece to solve the amazing and admirable puzzle that shapes the Italian progressive genre - it's historical, timeless, bold and precious; hence, an obligatory addition to every prog music collection. Rating: 4.