STANDARTE

If I may follow on from the wonderful review of Sinkadotentree, this is a superb Retro-Prog album I have been indulging in (from the other side of the Globe), from Italians STANDARTE. I must say that the album opens up with an exciting Mellotronic/Spoken Word segment, recalling the way the Moody Blues opened up their 'Threshold' album. These guys rock hard, too. They obviously have a high regard for the late Vincent Crane and his band Atomic Rooster. The music is composed with great taste in mind, and doesn't fail to deliver the goods, high quality vocals (in English) also compliment their formula. Admittedly, it's taken me a few spins to get into them, but the result is most satisfying. Thanks to 'Black Widow' records for pressing this beast onto vinyl !! 4 stars.