QUIA NESCIUNT QUID FACIUNT

The last quarter of 2023 witnessed the release of 'Quia Nesciunt Quid Faciunt', the first Roz Vitalis studio album since 2018, which of course, was great news. Prior to this, they had given us a live album entitled 'Peace Live', which I enjoyed a lot, and which carried a very special message, inspired sadly by the war Russia and Ukraine had been fighting in the past couple of years.

Now, maybe with a bit more light in the context, the band gives us a new production where we can find elements from their essence: avant-prog music, Crimsonian sounds, tension, classical and cinematic music, but I think this time with a lighter sound. It is comprised by 10 tracks that make a total time of 53 minutes, songs that as I understood by the description in their Bandcamp site, were composed in the 2010's but developed live in concert years later.

It kicks off with 'Bait of Success', which could be 3 songs in one because it has several changes, in a very prog rock melody. I love the bass lines here and the addition of trumpet, and of course, it is worth mentioning that one can easily notice both the guitar and the synth work, as usual. A pastoral sound enters in 'Daybreaking', a beautiful track with a peaceful yet melancholic atmosphere, 4/4, nothing out of pocket, however I believe this passage is quite sublime, so you can close your eyes and feel enchanted by it. But wait, because after the second minute it completely changes and the sound has now more energy, with a bit of tension, and then a nice mixture of prog rock with mid-eastern flavor.

'Fountain' is a short song, a classical piano interlude that open the gates for 'Se Camminiamo Nella Luce', whose first two minutes follow the same piano-oriented path, then acoustic guitar, drums and synth enter in a soft way, slow rhythm but nice and delicate sound. Seconds later new elements are being added, such as flute, electric guitar, bass and of course, that wonderful trumpet which is a highlight in this album, in my opinion.

'Premonition' is the longest composition, nine minutes of delicacy made prog rock. I like here the band rescued that obscure sound they usually put in their albums, but the difference is that in spite of that dark elements, it still sounds delicate and even peaceful. Of course this is a track full of contrasts where you can hear rockier moments with more energy, and some others with more experimentation and with some symphonic-prog sound, mainly made by keayboards, though all the musician's efforts are equally important. It is also worth mentioning there are moments where you might think every member goes in a different direction, but it's just a proof of their understanding.

'Walking' is an interesting piece because it brings a different mood, sound and rhythm. Maybe it is catchier, but at the same time its richness of musical genres makes it unique. Roz Vitalis also creates music that could wonderfully fit in a movie, and one example is 'Wides', which to me sounds like the background of an old European black and white film. It has a delicious mid-eastern flavor provided by percussion and harpsichord, and later new sounds are being introduced little by little, such as flute and a new-agey atmosphere make by keyboards. The second half will persuade you to dance, which was unexpected (and a little bit funny).

'The Man Whose Wings Were Cut Off' has again a cinematic essence, and the experimentation is always present, you can tell it by its constant changes in rhythm, mood and musical styles. Though I like they are always challenging themselves, I sometimes think there are too many changes, too much experimentation that in moments could make the listener feel confused and maybe lost.

The last five minutes come first with the song 'Beautifulness', a pastoral theme with a classical essence. The flute will give you charm and comfort, while drums, guitar, bass and synth wonderfully complement this peaceful experience. And the album finishes with the one-minute epilogue called 'Nocturne', a sweet piano piece that says goodbye.

Nice to see Roz Vitails so active, music always gives messages and in many, really many times, saves us.