BARBARICA

MUSEO ROSENBACH hasn't exactly been the most prolific band in the World when it comes to creating music. They released their classic "Zarathustra" back in 1973 and that was followed up by "Exit" released in 2000 then this record "Barbarica" released in 2013. There certainly is a lot to like with their most recent album but there's also some rather unconvincing sections in my opinion.

"Il Respiro Del Pianeta" is the almost 14 minute epic and it opens the proceedings in style. It opens with an almost dirge-like atmosphere before the vocals arrive after a minute. The vocals stop and the music picks up with some nice guitar. A powerful soundscape follows before it settles in sounding very Italian with that accordion. The vocals are back as this song continues to shift. Organ and heavy guitar come in after 5 1/2 minutes but again the song continues to change in tempo and mood. "La Coda Del Diavolo" is melancholic with laid back vocals and the violin really adds to the sadness. It kicks in hard after 3 minutes. Drums to the fore as we get this driving rhythm and the organ joins in as well. I'm not a fan of this driving section and the passionate vocals.

"Abbandonati" features tribal-like drumming and flute early on then multi- vocals come in that I don't like. Some heavy guitar comes and goes then it settles around 2 minutes with vocals. Nice bass 3 1/2 minutes in and the heaviness will come and go. "Fiore Di Vendetta" opens with synths before we get some metalish guitar with organ. It calms right down and flute joins in. Reserved vocals after 2 minutes then it turns more powerful 3 1/2 minutes in before calming down once again. It's heavy before 5 minutes and the vocals return as well. "Il Re Del Circo" ends the album and it opens with flute and gentle guitar. It becomes heavier before a minute but it settles back again quickly with relaxed vocals but they do get passionate at times. Some nice drum work and I also like the organ here. Aggressive guitar joins in as well as it picks up with vocals. Not a fan of the fast paced vocals and sound though. Drums and synths standout late.

Clearly this album is but a shadow of their classic recording "Zarathustra" but there's lots to like here too. I wish the mellotron was more prominent and that the modern vibe was toned down. 3 stars.

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