GRAN DISORDINE SOTTO IL CIELO

Gramigna was a very overlooked band heading from northern Italy in the late 70's, releasing just one album in 1977 before disbanding, Gran Disordine Sotto il Cielo. Apparently a concept album. A very dynamic effort with several influences, using chamber-rock oriented instrumentation combined with a traditional Italian Progressive Rock sound to them, not unlike PFM, Banco and others. Shadows of early Henry Cow is also notable under the more experimental moments, as well as the addition of female vocals (provided by Françoise Godard), but it is a fairly melodic and pleasant album overall, although it does have a prominent RIO element throughout. Sadly, this album, while quite original, is not really that memorable and strike me as a slightly uneven effort. It might not be essential, but it does have strong musical qualities nevertheless, though.

Overall, this is a very interesting band. Unfortunately, this album never got reissued since it's first release back in 1977 and is horribly rare these days (unless you can grab it over the net though..) but they really do deserve a listen, not only from RIO fans. This album should appeal to any proghead, really. 3.5/5