PER UN AMICO

Honestly, I have to tell you that PFM is not so popular here in my country i.e. Indonesia. At least if it's compared to Genesis, Pink Floyd, Yes , Marillion or even to the next generation prog bands such as Dream Theater, Flower Kings, Spock's Beard , etc. But there is no doubt at all to say that PFM is one of legendary prog bands whose albums should have to be owned by prog lovers, especially for those who loves melodic and dynamic symphonic progressive rock.

Now let's talk about their old stuff, PER UN AMICO. Frankly speaking, I don't bother at all with the use of Italian language in the lyrics for some of their albums, including this album. Even, to my ears Italian language is just another nice and exotic dialect to be sung....:-), although I don't understand Italian language.

In this album, the line up are Flavio Premoli on keyboards and vocals, Franco Mussida on guitars and vocals, Franz di Cioccio on drums and vocals, Giorgio Piazza on basses and vocals, Mauro Pagani on flute, violin and voice. You see, all players, besides their excellent musicianship in playing the instruments and composing the songs, they also have the ability to sing as good as they play the instruments and composing the songs. Some kind of perfect combination.

Ok, then let's go to the details. This album containing 5 songs, and most of hte songs were composed by Franco Mussida and Flavio Premoli and I think these 2 guys are the main composers for PFM albums, not only this album.

1st track is Appena Un Po, a melodious song and low in tempo. At the intro opened by gently acoustic guitar and flute, but soon the tension become higher for a moment, all instruments contributes its sound bit heavy for a while before the voice of Mussida flowing around. Not too long, the mood changes again and changes again.....what a beautiful song.... I also recognise Appena Un Po as The River of Life in English version.

2nd track is Generale, this is an instrumnetal song, opened with a bit heavy drumming, followed by other instruments, piano, violin and guitar and basses for about 2 minutes. Then, silent, then the music start again... the church organ start this 2nd mood and followed by other instruments together. Also good track.

3rd track is the Highlight i.e. Per Un Amico. Started with low tempo, the flute and piano opened this song like the wind whispers in our ears. But soon, again the mood changes while the voice of Mussida flowing gently. At the intro, reminding me of Genesis' song Mad Man Moon. After that all instrument get the tension of the song a bit heavy and higher, soon the mood changes again with brilliant strumming acoustic guitar. Very nice, and exciting...... I think this is the best track in this album..... This track is also well known as Photos of Ghost in English version.

4rd track Il Banchetto. Another good song in this album, yes of course theres is no complain at all about all compositions in this album ...;-) A medium tempo song, opened with acoustic strumming guitar, the voice was contributed by Franz Di Cioccio, the most attractive guy in the band if you have seen their concert containing in the PFM Live in Japan DVD.

The last track is Geranio, also opened calmly and gently with low piano and flute and then all instruments get together in a higher tension but still melodius for the ears.

What more can I say? Just buy this cd and you will enjoy the brilliant of song compositions, the virtuosity of instruments playing and beautiful moments you will have while listening to this album..... :-) Very and very recommended album.

Anto Sulistianto Jakarta - Indonesia Prog Lover