THREEFOUR

This band from Brescia was formed as Phoenix in 1981 by brothers Claudio Lorandi (lead guitar, vocals), Antonio Lorandi (bass) and Sergio Lorandi (guitars) with Silvano Silva on drums.They played mostly in a Classic Prog style, performing live with various guest musicians on stage, before switching into a more symphonic sound in 1986 with the addition of Emilio Rossi on keyboards.They released the ''Alchimie'' cassette in 1991, before disbanding in 1998 with the members spending their time in other projects.When Claudio Lorandi died prematurely in 2007, the remaining Lorandi brothers along with Silva gave birth to the band for a second time, now as Phoenix Again, working on the old compositions of the group and adding the guitar parts of Claudio as listened on ''Alchimie''.The result was the album with the touching title ''Threefour'', released in 2011.

Phoenix Again's sound is not the closest it gets to Prog Rock, it is more of a melodic, instrumental Rock affair with plenty of progressive/symphonic colors, that often remind me of Spanish band FRANC ALBIR with a bit of a Dutch nuance akin to FLAMBOROUGH HEAD or even TRION at some point.Acoustic and electric guitars prevail in the album with supporting keyboards, propably played by Sergio Lorandi, and a few lovely flute parts occasionally popping up, eventually offering a palette of Mediterrenean perfume, OLDFIELD-ian atmospheres and melodious CAMEL-esque textures.If you love the most sensitive side of the electric guitar, you will love this album.The duo of Sergio and the passing Claudio Lorandi offers great melodic runs ans solos with some emotional acoustic lines in the process, while there are also moments of a rising virtuosity with a few technical twists in a Fusion style.While not being the leading instrument, keyboards are used in a clever way.Plenty of grandiose Mellotron and some naughty synth and organ moves will satify all listeners of rich musicianship.And at the top, Phoenix Again's music often turns the back to instant melodies for the sake of more dramatic instrumental themes with fantastic guitar work and a prominent symphonic influence with even some piano lines added for good measure.Very good instrumental album with some great ideas throughout and efficient execution on instruments.

Sweep away the dust of the old and forgotten Phoenix and be ready to welcome the revived Italian act.Great purchase for fans of melodic, instrumental Prog Rock with a few symphonic hints and a discreet CAMEL resemblance.Recommended.