IL TEMPO DELLA GIOIA

4.5 stars. Well I never dreamed i'd like this as much as their debut, but after reading several people hint that this one isn't that accessible, and to give it lots of time, I took the advise and have been won over. Thanks Finnforest. The debut was raw and edgy with a rocking blues flavour just the way I like it. On this one they've taken away the rough edges, and added more complexity to this more classical and at times jazzy inspired music. This is beautiful and subtle music that takes time to appreciate. I have no doubt that this band is one of the best to come out of Italy.

"Villa Doria Pamphili" opens with piano as acoustic guitar joins in this pastoral setting. Violin a minute in as piano stops. Fragile vocals before 2 minutes as a fuller sound follows that is so uplifting. Back to vocals and acoustic guitar as the contrasts continue. Simply a gorgeous song. "A Forma Di" starts off quietly with faint piano and violin, but it's building. Vocal melodies join in around 2 1/2 minutes as the sound continues to build. Harpischord is added. Amazing sound before 4 minutes that is very classical. Brilliant track. "Il Tempo Della Gioia" opens with expressive vocals as piano and violin support him. It picks up before 1 1/2 minutes. Love the drumming ! Some guitar before 2 1/2 minutes. It's better later. Vocal melodies come in as piano plays on. An absolutely beautiful sound 4 minutes in as piano, flute, violin and drums all create wonder. Vocals are back 5 1/2 minutes in.

"Un Giorno, Un Amico" opens with piano as violin drops in quickly. The tempo picks up a minute in as drums become prominant. Vocal melodies join in. A violin solo before 3 minutes. Clarinet comes in before 4 1/2 minutes with bass as it has calmed right down. Drums start to build to a crisp sound. Piano then violin follow. Vocals 7 minutes in are reserved. Guitar for the first time lets loose. Thankyou ! It does again after 8 minutes. Clarinet 9 minutes in. "E Accaduto Una Notte" opens with choir-like melodies. Acoustic guitar and flute take over in this beautiful section starting 1 1/2 minutes in. Vocals before 3 minutes as harpsichord, piano, bass and drums become prominant. Violin 4 minutes in. Vocal melodies 5 1/2 minutes in then vocals. Fuller sound 6 1/2 minutes in. An explosion ends it.

If you can get both of their albums do so. I think it's a matter of taste as to which one you'll like better. Both are excellent.