CONTRAPPUNTI

While this one has grown on me I still prefer their previous three records to it. I get such a kick out the drummer, he's very impressive. Like the previous album we do get quite a few spacey passages on this one (lots of synths), but it must be said that this album has some good variety on it.

"Contrappunti" is one of my top three tracks on this album. It opens solemnly before the tempo and mood picks up 1 1/2 minutes in. What an instrumental display ! Some have compared it to ELP and I agree. Some great organ work. A spacey calm before 3 minutes and then it picks back up with piano leading the way after 4 minutes. The organ is back and check out the drumming after 5 minutes. What a song ! "Frutto Acerbo" features acoustic guitar and those beautiful vocals of Aldo. Piano after a minute and some mellotron on this track too (the only one). "Aliante" has quite the pulsating beat to it. Synths join in to make it a better sounding tune. "India" opens with vocals (they come and go). This one is darker and also the shortest song on here.

"La Fabbricante D'Angeli" is another top three track for me. Synths to open as the spacey vibe hangs around until the piano comes in. Flute comes and goes. The drumming is fabulous. Vocals 2 minutes in. I find this one so uplifting when the flute is playing. "Notturno" features piano and synths taking turns as they play slowly. A change 2 minutes in as drums come in. The original melody returns after 3 minutes to end it. "Maggio" is my other top three track. This one is the longest at almost 9 minutes in length. Spacey synths to open. A fuller sound a minute in as drums and organ arrive.This contrast continues. Vocals 3 minutes in. Great sound after 4 minutes. A cool synth / drum melody 5 minutes in. Vocals are back as themes continue to be repeated.

This album along with their previous three records are must haves in my opinion.