ALTARE THOTEMICO

"Altare Thotemico are an unconventional band on the Italian music scene. We all have different backgrounds, we're different ages, we come from different towns, but we're sailing through alien worlds on the same ship that crosses the ocean of Life. The kind of music we play? Maybe Progressive, or Psychedelic, Rock, Jazz, Blues perhaps, or something else - who knows! What's for sure - this is where Poetry meets Music and this blend turns into something incredibly powerful, pure ENERGY! Whatever happens, this is our key word, our motto, and we believe ourselves to be carriers of an unrestrainable virus called "Soul"! Laying pictorial matter on a canvas with no preset subject at all - waving your brush or fingers among the colours - in a sort of Action Painting - this is what Altare Thotemico are!".

Well, to me this sounded very welcoming so I was very curious to Altare Thotemico their musical translation of these words. By the way, In 2013 Altare Thotemico released their second effort entitled Sogno Errando, alsofeaturing the two brothers Venturi.

The music on Thotemico their eponymous debut album (2009) is travelling back in time, what an incredible 'vintage' sound: Classic Italian Prog like Biglietto Per L'Inferno, Metamorfosi and Alphataurus come to my mind but also progrock pioneers like The Doors and Pink Floyd. In fact Thotemico their influences are obviously but the band has succeeded to add an own flavour by blending several styles (from rock and jazz to psychedelia) and presenting strong musical ideas.

To me most of the nine compositions sound very pleasant and compelling with a tasteful colouring by the guitar, keyboards and flute, backed by a dynamic rhythm-section and topped by the very distinctive vocals of Gianni Venturi: pretty theatrical, sometimes 'over the top' (like in L'Interessante Vita Del Topo). But at other moments adding an extra dimension, reminding me of Christian Decamps, singer of the French legend Ange.

My highlights are:

Lo Sciamento : from jazzy with Fender Rhodes electric piano to psychedelic with Ray Manzarek inspired organ work.

Demon : church organ intro, then a very catchy heavy guitar riff and strong vocals.

Computer Organico : a kind of jam session with again strong hints of Ray Manzarek.

La Mente Mia : varied instrumentation with excellent slide guitar solo, evoking Robby Krieger, indeed, from The Doors, one of my favourite bands.

What a very pleasant tribute to the Classic Prog era! My rating: 3,5 star.

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