LAVORI IN CORSO

I knew Duty Free Area (D.F.A.) for the first time through couple of songs aired at a progressive rock program in Jakarta's classic rock radio sometime in 2000. And I only have this CD, which I accidentally found in used CD market for a relatively cheap price (US$ 7). What a great deal! Well, actually I don't know why people sold this excellent album to a secondary market. So, my knowledge about the band is very limited. But from my experience with this "Lavori in Corso" I was impressed the first time I spun the CD. The music of the band gave me an impression of a blend of music from Gryphon, Island, PFM and King Crimson with some early Genesis style in some symphonic transition pieces. What truly amazed me is actually the musicianship demonstrated by each member of the band. Heavily dominated with the sound of keyboard, synthesizer and mellotron in most of rhythm section, however, the composition allows sufficient time for each instrument to perform the solo. From this standpoint, I can see clearly the virtuosity of each member of this four-piece band. Overall, the musical composition of this album is music-orientated that demonstrates marriages of sounds (and effects) produced by each instrument used. All songs are deceptively complex but the create excellent harmony.

The album opener "Work Machine (Industry)" (7:09), written by De Grandis and Bonomi, kicks off with a relatively complex arrangements dominated by repetitive keyboard sounds followed with Italian vocal. The music turns quieter in ambient spacey style followed with duo-vocal and returns back to original form with keyboard dominating the rhythm section as well as some short solo work. Stunning guitar solo is presented right after the middle of the track. It's an excellent opener.

"Collage" (7:06), witten by De Grandis and Bonomi, has a more upbeat tempo than the opening track and this time guitar provides excellent soft riffs and rhythm section. The music turns into softer volume and suddenly returns back in upbeat tempo with stunning guitar work. The guitar sound reminds me to Steve Hackett and Robert Fripp. The music sounds symphonic with keyboard onslaught and jaw-dropping drum work. The Hammond organ at the back gives a nuance of seventies music like ELP's. The combination of guitar and mellotron/keyboard work at the ending part of this track is truly awesome!

"Pantera" (8:48), written by Minella and Bonomi, represents the band's exploration to jazz-influenced music featuring swing style with flute solo. This gives a kind of break from previous two songs for a while because what it turns out the music returns back into complex arrangements when vocal enters. Again, I observe excellent harmony between guitar and Hammond organ. Oh man . I really love the relatively long guitar solo - followed with Hammond organ solo; they are so stunning! This song has a very tight composition with frequent abrupt changes in tempo and style. It's truly a progressive rock tune! A masterpiece!

"La Sua Anima" (4:04) starts off excellently with acoustic guitar work, exploratory in nature, featuring flute with no drum and bass. Keyboard fills the music in symphonic style accentuated with electric piano. Everything is performed in relatively slow tempo.

"Trip on Metro" (6:33), written by De Grandis, brings the music back into complex arrangements with some repetitive opening that reminds me to King Crimson. This instrumental piece gives keyboard and bass guitar present so obvious at the opening part with guitar plays as rhythm section. Guitar solo takes its opportunity to perform at approx minute 2:00 with Fripp style. There are frequent abrupt changes in tempo throughout the song with keyboard provides inventive work at background.

"Space Ace Man" (9:47), written by all members of the band, is a symphonic rock instrumental music which starts with guitar solo overlaid on top of long sustain keyboard sound. This song presents something different than previous tracks. Composed with symphonic approach the song still gives an impression of complex music. The style changes frequently through the passage of musical segments. As the title implies this track features spacey music.

"La Via" (16:19), written by Bonomi and De Grandis, serves like an epic as duration-wise is relatively long. It starts off with bass guitar notes and moves slowly with soft entrance of long sustain keyboard work; it gives an ambient style. Vocal enters in mellow style. Guitar gives its shot in between vocal and gradually moves the music in crescendo with an upbeat and complex arrangements, combined with keyboard solo. Overall style of this last track is mellow with symphonic rock elements and some spacey nuance.

I would recommend this album to those of you who enjoy relatively complex composition. This album is an excellent addition to any prog rock collection. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW