PRISMOSFERA

Stereokimono is an exciting group from Bologna that has released two albums over the past few years. I only hope that the lack of new updates on their webpage does not mean they have decided to stop as this is a promising band. Their unique style of modern spacey rock sounds on the surface just a little reminiscent of latter day Crimson but there is a certain underlying appreciation of melody here that makes this more appealing to me than some harsher, more angular sounds. "Prismosfera" is instrumental joyriding that will make fans of the Ozrics and Djam Karet jolt to attention and it will win them over. Produced by none other than Franz Di Cioccio of PFM the album has a sound that manages to be both light and airy while packing significant punch at the right times.

We like to think to our music as a becoming of psycho-sensorial experiences, stimulating fantasy and imagination ... something like a soundtrack for interior and cosmic journeys. We have playfully defined our project/genre Psychophonic Oblique Rock [from the Band: Antonio Severi, Alessandro Vittorio, Christina Atzori]

Indeed! This music is like a huge floating sentient being shapeshifting its way through some weirdly lighted sky in a distant universe. It is one of those bands where I am almost intimidated by the thought of trying to describe it in writing because it should not be subjected to the limitations of my pen. The wide variety of keyboards, guitars, electronics, sound/voice samples, and percussions allow soundscapes that vary between daydreams at times to pulling one in with direct sound communication at others. And the transitions between the different colors are tastefully handled making the listener experience more "real" if you will, as opposed to simply reacting to units of entertainment we call songs. I feel as if I'm getting mini-musical vignettes rather than songs. I am usually attracted to music with a more direct, obvious emotional connection but here the style works for me for the most part. I think most adventurous listeners will appreciate this very much. The band impresses with technical proficiency yet maintains playfulness and taste throughout, always attempting the head spin. "Rosso Di Luna" is a real favorite of mine: the guitars are layered so nicely.there are leads of course but you never feel like the solos are some extraneous thing, rather they are integrated into the overall sound as a component. The bass and drums are beautifully nuanced in their parts and similarly part of the weave rather than "backing" the lead guitar exclusively. Same with the keys. Simply great instrumental rock and easily recommended to anyone who may like the above bands or groups like Gourishankar, Porcupine Tree, or Lost World.

At the end of the album the band has a little contest for fun by stringing together short samples of '70s prog classics and inviting listeners to see how many of the 30 they can identify on their website. They also put together a nice booklet with cool images that go along with the tracks. The gatefold LP sleeve is quite nice in general.

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