AD GLORIAM

LE ORME's first studio album (not the first I heard) is a very interesting and agreeable pop- rock output with an indelible late 60s touch. Many point here and there some tunes and moments that could classify "Ad Gloriam" as a kind of proto-ISP work, which isn't really a forcible possibility but I spot mainly the presence of psychedelic sounds and the general trend typical of Italian sixties: a blend of hard-rock, folk and influences gathered from Britain's and North America's classical rock bands.

The atmosphere and sonority displayed echoed firmly in South America and this made my first hearing of "Ad Gloriam", a very familiar and cool experience, reminding me of several tunes I listened to in my childhood which are all lost in the dust of times. If the production isn't great due to limited tools available at the time, LE ORME musicianship and inspiration are noticeable - a feature able to present fine moments as we could enjoy in years to come.

It may be imperceptible but another link with the future prog-rock scene is the general concept behind the songs that spread along the album, more noted for being 'Introduzione' and 'Conclusione' the titles of the opening and ending tracks. References are certainly aimed to the peninsular way-of-life of the Sixties, which also was close to things down South, contributing again to make this album particularly familiar to me - some songs here could be recorded by bands like MUTANTES and no one should spot the differences.

Finest songs are the title-track, 'Ad gloriam', nice and catchy; 'Oggi verrà' with great instrumentation and vocals; 'I mei sogni', neatly psychedelic; 'Senti l'estate che torna', a pleasant pop-rock recording and 'Non so restare solo' where the LE ORME show their musical abilities in a grand manner.

For those truly interested in knowing the story of ISP/RPI this album is strongly recommended but the lack of progressive elements turns "Ad Gloriam" into a work plainly good, although non-essential for the general audience. Rating: 3.