SETTINGS FOR A DRAMA

After being amazed by their excellent 2006 release I went backwards to get other EDERA's albums and stumbled with that one: their debut named "Settings For A Drama"; and so we can testify the significant band evolution when we compare this work with their more recent. Even the accent of the Italian singer dealing with the English language evolved clearly; although his singing ability was noticeable then.

The atmosphere ever-present in "Settings For A Drama" fits almost perfectly the album title: it's really dramatic, nearly operatic sometimes but appreciable unless you're in a depressive mood 'cause it won't help you - the ambience stricken throughout this album is basically sad, sorrowful, somber. I also like things that way but it's not everyone's cup of tea. Also EDERA perform basically between the symphonic and the neo-progressive spectra, not venturing to other styles, a feature that made "And Mouth Disappears" so glorious.

But here one might find great moments, beginning with the powerful opening track, 'Left in the power of the storm', continuing with the meaningful 'Lain on wet grass' and finishing with the last three tracks, the similar and well-crafted 'Where you don't exist' and 'Paper world' and the soft 'In seeing hands', the album's closing act. All other songs are average and fairly audible and EDERA provide it with fine instrumentation and some interesting ideas, which are better perceived once you have the chance to hear their entire output.

Being "Settings For A Drama" slightly above the average line; a nice deed if you consider it's their debut, the rating option is a clear and honest good, but non-essential.