L'ISOLAMENTO DEI NUMERI PARI

If some of you are waiting for another great Italian release, this is one for you. It hasn't been so many this year, after last year's explosion of Italian prog. The band "Astrolabio" comes from Verona and has released two studio records. Their first studio album was "Monologando" 2006 when they called themselves Elettrosmog. "L'Isolamento dei numeri pari" from this years has a lovely green cover with prophets looking down from the sky. "Astrolabio" is Michele Antonelli(vocals, guitars, flute), Alessandro Pontone(drums), Massimo Babbi(keyboards) and Paolo Iemmi(bass,vocals).

The sound of Astrolabio is similar to many other prog bands and just as many other giants the use the orchestral flute in their music. That works fantastic and to hear this record is a lovely experience I promise. The compositions are varied and intricate. Judge by yourself but I think you will agree with me. "E'Stato detto tutto" is a tough and progressive start and this hit kind of the closer "Pugni Chiusi" are the frames of this record fill with so much. "Brie- Collage" for example starts with a sound of space rock but evolves to symphonic rock and "Fotografic" has similarities with the symphonic masters Premiata Forneria Marconi. "The long Non Ricordo" has many fine parts such as a wide guitar riff. "31 Aprile"s melody is also something unique you will find.

As a unite this record holds a high position and it will get a high rating as well. Even if it doesn't feel totally new, it doesn't feel reused. There is something fresh still in these compositions and melodies. I would indeed recommend this record for you as one of the most interesting released from this year. The best song is perhaps "E'Stato Detto Tutto", "31 Aprile" or "Non Ricordo". Four stars!