ROLLER

1. "Roller" (4:38) opens sounding quite a bit like the "Main Theme" the Profundo Rossi soundtrack only a little more densely constructed like a rock instrumental but using the same instruments (bass a little chunkier, synths a little more advanced). Very similar melodic theme. (9/10)

2. "Aquaman" (5:22) again, cinematic accompaniment is the feeling projected from this slow developing, pensive instrumental. All instruments contribute in an individualistic, intermittent capacity until the 2:50 mark when drums and bass kick into a rhythm track supporting a bluesy electric guitar solo. At 3:48 the guitar solo ends and the music returns to the sensitive patchwork hodgepodge of the opening section. (8.75/10)

3. "Snip snap" (3:37) opens with an upbeat bluesy clavinet setting the scene before funky rhythm guitar, bass and drums join in. Jazzy, chunky bass attracts a lot of attention before synths and Fender Rhodes take over the lead, alternating with funky jazz solos. This could be a song from a concurrent Billy Cobham or Herbie Hancock album (Fat Albert Rotunda or Head Hunters). (8.5/10)

4. "The snake awakens" (3:27) sounds like a jazzified classical piano piece adapted for lounge entertainment. (8.75/10)

5. "Goblin" (11:10) opens with percussion and sound effects to create a sound imitating crackling of an open fire. After a minute of this, piano and organ create a melodic weave over which drums and bass submit intermittent, syncopated crashes. At the two minute mark a fully structured full-band song presents itself but is fairly soon dropped for a more complex variation of the previous introductory section. At 3:15 the song finally settles into full speed, full form as synths and electric guitar take turns soloing over the fairly rapid drive of the drums and chunky fretless bass. At 4:40 there is a breakdown and an ensuing delicate and more sparsely adorned synth-led section of sensitive, slow, emotive play. Electric piano, Moog and string synths take turns carrying the pretty lead over the next three minutes with drums and bass slipping respectfully into a more-background support role. At 8:20 there is a turn down a more funky country road in which the speed shifts to a comfortable, steady, breezy rate within which the fine technique of drummer Agostino Marangolo get a chance to shine. Then things end. Good song with some very nice, creative instrumental performances. (18/20)

6. "Dr. Frankenstein" (6:00) opens with an ominous deep synth note that continues to float and flange in the background as bass, electric guitar, drums, and multiple keys build a funky, syncopated jazz weave. Lots of epithets and interjections spewed into the weave from each and every instrument as the only constant, consistent driving force remains the opening synth note and some oddly timed At 3:45 everybody stops, the sound drops away, and then an aggressive rolling bass line emerges to announce the beginning of a much more cohesive, fully fielded sonic spectrum of instruments and fast driving drumming over which a MIDI-sounding synth (but this was pre-MIDI, wasn't it?) plays a frantic, "running" lead--which then plays out to the end. Both sections are pretty cool but truly could've/should have been delineated and separated into two different songs--or, at least, two different movements of a two part suite. (9/10)

Total Time: 34:14

A-/4.5 stars; a minor masterpiece of jazzy, cinematic instrumental music.

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