STATI DI IMMAGINAZIONE

Premiata Forneria Marconi's latest record is a bit of a throwback to their earlier '70s work with some exceptions. On the whole, I would say this record is less challenging than Storia Di Un Minuto or Per Un Amico, and it's also entirely instrumental. The music itself at times reminds me of a typical classic rock band, and the way piano is played on some tracks reminds me of Page McConnell of Phish.

The first track is among the most varied on the album and changes directions several times over the course of the song. There is a rather conspicuous split note during the piano's arpeggio section of this song. I'm not sure how this made it into the final recording. Il Mondo in Testa is one of the most frenetic and uplifting songs PFM has released. I enjoy the way violin is used on this track. La Conquista track which, like the first, goes through sections of fast and slow. The track doesn't truly become interesting until it comes to a complete standstill somewhere a bit before the song's halfway point. From here, it gradually builds to its conclusion.

Il Sogno di Leonardo is the only track I've heard from PFM that genuinely annoys me. The rather boring melody is reiterated throughout the song, and what little progression the song has is pretty cheesy. Cyber Alpha is a guitar-driven track that pretty much allows Franco Mussida to strut his stuff. It's one of the more cohesive and interesting tracks to be found here. Agua Azul isn't a bad track, but seems like more of the same.

Next is the shortest track on the album, which happens to oddly be my favorite: Nederland 1903. There's something about the opening guitar melody that I find moving. When I first listened to the track, from the first few notes I was expecting something completely different. This track also once again utilizes the violin to enhance its beauty.

Oddly enough, the closest comparison I can draw to this album in terms of other bands is Riverside, who seem to have a similar approach to composition. The method of composition seems similar, the guitar tone isn't altogether different, and the usage of synths is quite similar as well. The difference, obviously, is that Riverside, being a metal band, often plays a bit heavier music.

All in all, I don't think this touches the brilliance of PFM's earlier albums, but it's a decent album nonetheless. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys highly melodic prog.