RIFLESSIONI: IDEA D'INFINITO

I became interested in this album after seeing it listed in a "Top 20" list on some Italian site. According to the liner notes: "DALTON, from the Lombard region (near Milan), was formed during the late 1960's and even once included Mauro Pagani on flute (after which he joined the more well known PFM). As usual for the time, DALTON played beat music and formally released a single in that style. They then disappeared without a trace until 1972 when original keyboardist Temi Reduzzi reformed the band. Though, unusual for the time, they maintained their UK sounding beat group name." This their first album was released in 1973. They even won the gold prize at Zurich's Pop Festival the same year. Though mellotron is listed here as an instrument Andy at PlanetMellotron insists that they only used string-synths.

"Idea D'infinito" opens with synths until the flute takes over followed by a full sound. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes and they're very expressive in the Italian tradition. String-synths later and some good guitar 3 1/2 minutes in. Organ late. "Stageone Che Muore" opens with lots of flute as well as prominant bass,organ and vocals. Guitar after a minute. The tempo picks up after 3 minutes with flute and drums out front. It settles a minute later. "Cara Emily" opens with harpsichord as fragile vocals with acoustic guitar and piano follow. String-synths also join in then drums and bass as it gets fuller. A calm after 4 minutes with flute to end it.

"Riflessione" starts with some aggressive guitar then drums and bass kick in. Organ 1 1/2 minutes in and flute follows.This is all about the guitar though. "Un Bambino, Un Uomo, Un Vecchio" features keyboards and flute as vocals come in. Harpsichord 2 minutes in. "Diminsione Lavoro" opens with a drum solo as the organ comes ripping in. A calm then piano and flute lead. Drums and guitar after 1 1/2 minutes as the tempo picks up. Vocals too. Organ before 3 minutes. A calm follows then the guitar starts to light it up with the organ trying to keep up. Nice. Synths end it.

Not a bad album but I can't get too excited about it.