LA MECCANICA NATURALE

4.5 stars. I hate to sound corny but there are certain albums that really move me, they have the ability to draw emotions out of me. I have a hard time explaining why, it's not like I can turn these feelings on at will. Anyway these records all have a special place in my collection, and "La Meccanica Naturale" is now part of that group. I have been listening to PFM's first and third albums a lot lately, and I have to admit I will reach for this one over any of their first three classic records. Yes this is modern sounding, bringing to mind PORCUPINE TREE, RADIOHEAD, NO-MAN and others, but of course with that beautiful Italian flavour. Actually Franz Di Cioccio the drummer for PFM wrote a nice paragraph about the band's music in the liner notes, and also plays drums on one song the amazing "Ode Al Mare".

"La Perfezione" opens with piano as guitar and light drums quickly join in. Vocals and mellotron a minute in. A full sound comes out of nowhere after 3 minutes including piano, mellotron and guitar that are just heartbreaking. "La Mia Identita" opens with acoustic guitar and reserved vocals. Drums and piano join in. A full sound a minute in with mellotron and passionate vocals. The contrast continues. Some nice synth work as well. "Il Volo" opens with acoustic guitar and sleepy vocals. Mellotron and then piano comes in before the song kicks into gear 2 minutes in with guitar, organ and aggressive vocals. Almost dissonant sounds with mellotron floods before the mood changes again. Soaring guitar after 4 1/2 minutes. Nice. "La Maleducazione" is a catchy tune with lots of tempo changes. There is a great beat that comes and goes. Some nice contrasts in this one.

"Ode Al Mare" along with "Lo Specchio" are my two favourite tracks. This one opens with deep reserved vocals and piano. Beautiful. Mellotron and drums are followed by a gorgeous guitar melody. Great sound ! The guitar stops and the mellotron sweeps majestically across the soundscape. Gulp. Guitar comes back but it's softer, but no less moving as drums beat slowly. "Rifrazioni" is an instrumental with some tasty flugelhorn, piano and mellotron leading the way. Faint voices can be heard but they are breif. This song reminds me of NO-MAN. "Lo Specchio" reminds me very much of CHROMA KEY, and the vocal style of Kevin Moore. I love this song. The lyrics are heart rending for me yet so uplifting. Lots of mellotron as usual. Synths sound great later in the song. "La Ricostruzione Del Futuro" opens with keys, vocals and percussion. This is a relaxing tune with mellotron coming in next. A good passionate vocal section after 3 1/2 minutes is joined by pounding drums and a full sound including hammond organ. A powerful ending to this tune. "La Fine" has RADIOHEAD all over it from the vocal style to the dreamy soundscape. Check out the piano after 2 1/2 minutes. Awesome tune. "Incipit" is another instrumental. Piano notes to open as mellotron comes in before a minute. Drums 1 1/2 minutes in as it's building to a full sound after 3 minutes. This one is different and interesting.

Lots of variety on this disc and I debated long and hard about giving this 5 stars or not.