FRAGMENTS OF LIGHT

By 1974 prog rock was yielding to decadence as a dominant genre, and, while many superb releases would follow to this day, it was becoming increasingly challenging to furnish a breakthrough or even establish a niche. It is from the latter more modest school that Franco Falsini's SENSATIONS' FIX emanates. First of all, "Fragments of Light" bears more resemblance to the wave of German electronica fronted by POPOL VUH and TANGERINE DREAM, with nods to Krautrock Alter Cockers AMON DUUL 2 and MYTHOS, than to the accomplishments of the big boys from Italy before, during or after this point in time.

Most of the lead instrumentation is operated by Falsini, who seems to play by feel and perception more than by stanza and sheet. Alternating from amorphous moogy atmospheres to surprisingly hummable numbers, "Fragments of Light" is at its best when it evinces a pseudo surf electronica in the form of the title cut, the brilliant folk-tinged "Music is Painting in the Air", and the whirring alt country of "Life Beyond Darkness". Another favorite is "Space Energy Age", particularly the first part, as the effect of the second is somewhat dampened by rare vocals.

"Fragments of Light" seems to have arisen from simultaneous circumstances that can't be simulated or imitated. Its uncommon etiology and Falsini's innate grooviness combine to make it more than a mere historical curiosity, albeit modestly so.