SUBSIDEA

Today I noticed that my amount of Italian Symphonic Prog reviews is 99 so I started to work on # 100, it's the only category I can easily compete with neighbour 'Super-Sean'! I have chosen for Contrapunto, this means that an Italian band on a Brasilian label is reviewed by a Dutchman on a Canadian progrock site, music unites! Contrapunto is from the city Turin, known because of their legendary football club Juventus. The nine compositions on their first album (1999) contain a fresh and modern sound with lots of captivating breaks. All musicians present themselves in a very pleasant and crafted way: good female English vocals (with hints from Tracey Hitchings), a guitarist who plays very alternating (from sensitive soli to heavy riffs), a keyboardist with a lush sound and flashy runs and a tight rhythm-section. Some tracks evoke Collins-era Genesis but in general Contrappunto makes quite original prog that grows every turn. The final song Bad Choice is a funny one with disco-like rhythm guitar and a jazzy piano. A promising debut CD.