CRAC !

This is such an amazing band and "Crac !" is clearly one of their best albums. I still prefer their debut but both are essential. I do think this record is more accessible and easier to digest than the debut. I just love to listen to these guys play, and then you have the added dimension of Demetrio on vocals singing and experimenting with his voice.

"L'Elefante Bianco" hits the ground running with vocals and piano. The vocals stop as an uptempo melody takes over before a minute. Vocals are back 2 1/2 minutes in with vocal melodies to follow. "La Mela Di Odessa (1920)" has this crazy intro before drums come in and take over. The bass and keys sound great as drums continue. Vocal melodies come and go. Guitar 3 minutes in and then it calms down before a funky melody arrives with horns. Spoken vocals come in around 4 minutes. The vocals start to get a little insane and there's laughing as well.

"Megalopoli" has some atmosphere to begin with as it's almost spacey. The drumming 1 1/2 minutes in signals a change. The vocals after 2 minutes remind me of Vander for some reason (psychotic). Love the soundscape that follows as the bass, drums and organ rip it up. It settles somewhat as synths come in. Check out the bass after 5 minutes. Filthy organ as drums and bass are relentless. Vocals are back after 7 minutes. "Nervi Scoporti" opens with bass as drums join in and then synths? Chunky bass and piano take over. Piano is all over this one and it's absolutely incredible. The guitar makes some noise 3 1/2 minutes in. "Gioia E Rivoluzione" opens with vocals and piano. Strummed guitar comes in on this catchy and melodic track. Vocals are back but are normal. Some clapping 3 1/2 minutes in as we're all having fun. "Implosion" opens with experimental sounds. A melody arrives a minute in with some great drumming eventually coming in. The tempo picks up 4 minutes in. Great sound. "Area 5" is a 2 minute experimental track with vocal sounds and other sounds coming and going throughout.

Highly enjoyable Italian Avant-Jazz. A must have.