LUXADE

This is their third record and thankfully they continue along the same path as their previous two albums. This is a concept album but with the lyrics and liner notes all in Italian I would suggest you read Andrea Cortese's excellent review on this subject. As Tszirmay mentions this album was produced by ex-PFM drummer Franz Di Coccio.

"Porta Del Cielo" is a piano intro to this record. "Doppia Immagine" is fairly heavy to begin with as bass provides the bottom end and the flute plays over top. Vocals and organ arrive.I like the vocal melodies that come and go. As with most of these songs there are so many moods and tempo shifts, it's hard to keep up. It ends with some sax and more heaviness. What a ride ! "Un Senso All'Impossible" opens with acoustic guitar and flute. Vocals are reserved. Mellotron after 3 minutes is always welcomed. The song stops and restarts with organ, flute and drums leading the way as it becomes more energetic. "Orpheus" opens with pounding drums and heavy bass as organ and flute come into this uptempo intro. Vocals arrive and the song slows down. Tempo changes continue. The dual vocals are great. More mellotron after 3 minutes.

"Nuova Luce" has a spacey intro before bass, organ and flute take over. Piano, synths and keys all take part in this classy tune. "Enciclica 1168" is a 9 part 24 minute epic. I won't even try to take you through this one. Lots of organ, bass, drums, vocals and flute, with some sax and acoustic guitar. Some dissonant sounds 18 minutes in with strange vocals to follow. This one has it all. The last 2 minutes are awesome. "Schema(vsd)" is a great closer as flute is tastefully played with mellotron, bass, drums and synths leading the way.

I have to agree with ZowieZiggy that maybe some of the magic has worn off. I rate their second record as my favourite followed by their debut, then this one. They are all very good though, you can't go wrong with any of them in my opinion.