POA

Amazing Italian band from early-70's,who made just one album before fading in time...though this one was a masterpiece!BLOCCO MENTALE came from near Viterbo and released their debut through Titania Label in 1973.''Poa'' (the right word is actually ''Πόα'') is a the greek work for ''grass'',indicating the ecological approach and philosophy of the band,as the album's lyrics include themes related to nature.

Most obvious influences come from early-KING CRIMSON and PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI,if you add also some superb sax parts.I do not really know where to start from,as this album is one of the most balanced releases in progressive rock ever.The vocal work is handled by most of the band members ans it's absolutely amazing,featuring great multi-vocal harmonies based on expression and emotion than technique.BLOCCO MENTALE use a mass of rock and non-rock instruments in a awesome way,including (except guitars/bass/drums) a variety of keys (mellotron and piano are the most dominant),a heavy amount flutes and saxes and some harmonica also.The emotional vocal arrangements are greatly balanced with numerous interplays between saxes/bass/drums and keyboards/piano/flutes to create imaginative pictures for the listener.The combination of delicacy (smooth flutes parts,acoustic passages,emotional vocal lines) and complexity (interplays,sudden breaks,changing tempos and moods) is absolutely unique and stunning and ''Poa'' is listed this way among my top progressive rock discoveries ever and,maybe,my favorite prog release from 1973!A must have for any serious listener!

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