QUINTESSENZA

This quintessential symphonic RPI band returns somewhat to the folk oriented orientation of the debut for their 2004 offering, but they continue to have problems with the longer tracks. The two epics kick off with the sort of Squonk like noodling best reserved for the filling of the sandwich, once we have already appreciated the pane fresco. In addition, the splendiferous CAMEL styled melodies are repeated once or twice too often, reinforcing the sense that the band continues to artificially elongate excellent material beyond its elastic capacity.

Still, it's impossible to be creeped out by profusion in a genre that gave supererogation   a musical identity, and IL CASTELLO DI ATLANTE remains an eloquent delegate for symphonic splendour. "Il Marinen Forgia Il Sampo" is a symphonic jewel, with some surprisingly timely vocal harmonies and gutsy organ, reminiscent of MEN OF LAKE, blended with the fiddle themes we have grown to love. "Cavalcando Tra Le Nuvol" is the biggest surprise, as much Afro-Caribbean as RPI influenced, a lively and carefree picker upper with more violin, organ, and show-stealing lead guitar to boot. The theme of the two "Il Tempo A Venire" bridges the longer cuts well and lends dignity to the whole. The spoken parts of the first of these seems to achieve what ANYONE's DAUGHTER could not quite manage on "Piktors Verwandlungen" by providing equal opportunity for the music to match the import of the words.

Another eminently listenable album with a few clear flaws, "Quintessenza" can't quite live up to the hype inherent in its name. 3.5 stars, rounded down for some questionable choices on the tracks meant to be centerpieces.