CELESTE [AKA: PRINCIPE DI UN GIORNO]

This one is definitely hyped in RPI circles, but I am not completely sure why. Is it pretty good? Definitely yes. What sets it apart for many I'd guess is that it is so different from the voluminous output of Italian prog bands of the 70's. This is low key to the point of almost being background music (a thing often said about Il Paese dei Balocchi), yet there is a quiet dynamism lurking in here that begs repeated listens. ,

Very few drums here, they occasionally intersperse with the dominating themes: heavy flute, Mellotron and acoustic guitar passages. (look for the mellotron passage that nearly exactly quotes the first King Crimson album). Delicate and pastoral throughout, it can bear close listening, but is excellent as a background to quiet activities. This sounds like a complaint, but is actually a compliment on how Celeste can function on more than one level.

For point of reference: think quiet Gryphon, Genesis and early King Crimson all in acoustic mode. Like Alusa Fallax, a little bit of the first Long Hello album might be a good comparison. Maybe a tad of Moody Blues in there from time to time. All filtered through the Italian lens of course.

Excellent sounding pressing on vinyl, recommended if you can find one. Not a masterpiece, but an important piece of Italian rock history. 3.5 stars