ALPHATAURUS

Alphataurus was one of the heavier Italian bands of the '70s, but their 1973 debut is actually quite an interesting blend of styles. The multifarious opener, PECCATO D'ORGOGLIO, contains more swings of mood than an emotionally labile pendulum. This track on its own should be enough to satiate even the most demanding of prog-lovers, and its 12 minutes contain some spellbinding organ. While Michele Bavaro is an energetic and charismatic singer, Pietro Pellegrini's powerhouse keyboards are the dominant instrumental force on the album. The only exception to this is bluesy rocker DOPO L'URAGANO, which belongs to guitarist Guido Wasserman as he trades acoustic arpeggios with Martin Barre-styled electric riffs.

The soft-hued instrumental CROMA provides a pleasant contrast to its heavier predecessors, and features some heavenly crescendos and a heart-warming melody. The following track, LA MENTE VOLA, really strays into foreign territory as the first 3 or 4 minutes consist of a motorik beat. Pellegrini's piano and synthesizer dominate the remaining 6 melody-based minutes, and there's even a vibraphone solo during the closing section. The final track, OMBRA MUTA, is probably the heaviest on the album although it ebbs and flows between spacey guitar/organ and galloping drums/bass. This album is another ''must have'' for anyone building a comprehensive RPI collection. For everyone else, 4 stars.