MARCO POLO - SOGNI E VIAGGI

After their outstanding and very promising return with the live album entitled Live Tasting from 2008, Latte E Miele released a new studio album in 2009, a concept about Marco Polo's journey to China.

Listening to Marco Polo Sogni E Viaggi I conclude that their recent sound is in the vein of their last Seventies album Aquile E Scoiattoli from 1976: a melodic and harmonic blend of classical, rock and symphonic, reminding me of the fantastic early The Enid. But Latte E Miele sounds more varied, inventive and virtuosic, just listen to the tracks I Crociati (compelling final part with howling guitar and sumptuous classical orchestrations), Pechino (strong interplay between guitar and Hammond organ) and La Battaglia Di Curzola (splendid keyboard work). And every time I play this CD, I discover new things, there is so much to enjoy and that is what progrock makes so captivating and compelling: from changing climates and surprising breaks to awesome soli, on a wide range of instruments, it all happens on this album.

Bombastic organ with howling guitar runs in the opener San Marco.

From propulsive drums with piano and classical orchestrations to dreamy with cello in Carnival.

Warm classical guitar, vocals and piano in Il Matrimonio Del Bimbi Nel Vento.

A fluent rhythm with sweeping drums and exciting interplay between guitar and Hammond in La Battaglia Di Curzola.

Wah-wah guitar and synthesizer runs in the alternating Sogno Incrociato.

And a compelling bombastic climate featuring lush Hammond and moving guitar in the wonderful final track Ritorno A San Marco.

What a return from this Italian Classic Prog formation, a big hand for the 'new' Latte E Miele on this album.