PHERSU

After 2012's 'RewoToweR', that took 6 years of line-up changes, writing down and polishing, Profusion return with 'Phersu', named after a man-like creature painted upon some ancient Etruscan tombs. Although all five guys from the previous album are at work here, their art has perceptibly evolved, especially composition-wise.

The album doesn't feel as catchy as instantly lovable 'RewoToweR', but it is quite a grower. Though it is still very colourful, it drops the search of instant appeal in favour of a deeper musical exploration that ultimately rewards. Interestingly, the opening two songs of the album are full with rhythmically interesting, broken-down guitar riffs, which, together with Luca Latini's characteristic vocal delivery, sounds like a progressive correlate of mid 70's heavy-funk Deep Purple, especially when Glenn Hudges used to take the singing spot.

Georgian motives are yet again very prominent (Vladimer Sichinava is a Georgian living in Italy), especially on superb 'Nomen' (with Mamuka Ghaghanidze from a Georgian jazz/rock band 'The Shin' on vocals and Jakub Mietła on accordion as special guests) and 'Free Fall' which samples the poetry of Galaktion Tabidze, one of the greatest ever Georgian poets.

There are couple of very sentimental moments on the album too - brought to the fore with minimally but very freshly arranged closer 'Forbidden' and especially gorgeous 'Wrinkled Maiden', featuring excellent Anita Rachvelishvili and dedicated to people suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Other songs mostly feature different combinations of piano-led softness and riff-based grandiosity, with 'Forgetful Hero' being the highlight. To sum it up, this is an album that doesn't follow the successful formula established by the previous album ' instead progressing to new sound and compositional expression, while retaining Profusion's trademark lightly essence.

After quite a number of listens, I still prefer 'RewoTower', but 'Phersu' is an excellent follow-up, impressing more and more with every successive listen. Very solid 4 stars for now and warmly recommended!