NEO

Well, there are few words to describe this wonderful experience into some of the most passionate and intriguing keyboards' driven albums from the recent years!

La Torre dell'Alchimista loudly proclaim a strong connetcion with the tradition of the seventies, especially for the instrumental set. The album, basically, is based on powerful hammond organ excursions enriched by strong mellotrons waves, synthesizers, acoustic and electric pianos. It obviously recalls ELP, but not only. Some strong typical italian flavour such as Le Orme and Rustichelli e Bordini, for example, is well evident. Not a Banco inspired band, tough. At least to my warning. Drums and bass lines are very convincing and remark vehemently the many shifting moods. The atmosphere is not completely vintage, though, due to the more soft, singed romantic parts that are wisely spread all along the running time. Classical mythological creatures such as "Cerbero", "Medusa" and "Idra" are, simply, the icing on the cake!

The album appears more mature than its well acclaimed predecessor (the self titled debut), possibly with the help of guest musicians on flute, violin and soprano sax. Moderately longer tracks (between 6 and 11 minutes) and two shorter tunes. While the long ones evokes stunning atmospheres of pompous symphonic prog, the shorter ones aren't simple at all, but more acoustic oriented with classic piano as in the awesome "Idra" (1:51) that's the intro to "Riseglio, Procreazione e Dubbio pt. I" (11:31).

Not a masterpiece (I'm still waiting to hear on in 2007) but another fabulous contribution to the world, an useful proof that the italian contemporary prog scene is alive and well! Probably the best from Italy, until now.

Highly recommended! 4.25 stars, at least.