COLLAGE

"Collage" was apparently Le Orme's first truly progressive album, and to be honest, it does show. While "Collage" does have a few impressive moments, as a whole, I find it slightly bland and tame - a problem that I've encountered with many Italian symphonic prog bands. It sounds like they were still exploring their new, keyboard-driven sound, which would definitely explain the slight rawness and lack of subtleness in their sound. Le Orme has often been compared to ELP, and it should be fairly easy to see why. However, they do possess a more melodic side to their music as well - a trademark many Italian prog bands are so well known for. One of the main problems I have with this album, is that while the music is "nice" enough, it makes me feel like I'm in a similar state to coma. It simply does not evoke any feelings in me; joy, anger, happiness, simply nothing. Only "Cemento Armato" is powerful enough to wake me up. I love the jazzy ending. There's nothing wrong with the album per se, it just lacks enthusiasm (especially the singer sounds a tad bored, if you don't mind me saying so). "Collage" is surely a nice album if you're into the Italian symph prog scene, but nothing extraordinary, and I would encourage you check out Celeste, Locanda Delle Fate or Quella Vecchia Locanda instead of this. I noticed I seem to be the only one feeling this way, so I guess the problem must be in me. Go figure.