L'INFINITO

As I write these words, it would seem that a 2011 release by LE ORME is in the offing, but it would also seem that Aldo Tagliapietra is away without leave. At least I don't think his fans gave him permission to be absent from a group effort!

But here is the now nearly 7 year old finale of LE ORME's modern day trilogy, one which exudes that rare mix of high moral fiber and heartfelt romance at once. If Aldo's voice is so warmly woven into the band's quilt as to be inextricable, one must acknowledge that the 2 keyboardists succeed brilliantly in capturing the sentiment of the early 70s without lapsing into idolatry or cheap flattery. This combination, along with De Rossi's masterful drumming, holds the listener down for the count, over and over.

The dozen tracks herein blend into each other such that it is truly difficult to discern their delineations, not because it all sounds the same but because the transitions are blended within and between. It's all solid symphonic prog with plenty of arresting melodies and shifts. While it seems like electric guitar is present, particularly on the two deftly juxtaposed openers, the credits would suggest only the presence of a thoroughly convincing "guitar simulator". Who knew this was even possible, let alone necessary, unless they are making guitars as big as church organs these days. No matter, because among the many high points is the lilting ballad "Si Puo' Immaginare" , which awakens to an electrifying violin lead by Andrea Bassato followed by nostalgic organ workouts. "Canto" is oddly similar, just Aldo and piano, with shimmering synthesizers blending in, except this time it's that guitar contraption that ratchets up the ante. The title cuts both utilize martial drumming to augment the sense of urgency.

I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but LE ORME continues to impress me with their ability to do what they do best, and what we want most, for over 3 decades. Now, if they can succeed without Aldo, they would become that rare entity whose identity is more spiritual than corporeal. From there infinity is barely a stretch.