GLISPIRITI ICORPI ELEMENTI

This Italian band started under the name Chiaroscuro, after the release of a demo (including 2 Genesis covers), they decided to change their name into Vieux Carre in 2005. Three years later the band delivered its debut CD entitled Glispiriti Icorpi Elementi. So a French band name and an Italian debut album title, not a pretty common combination in prog.

The music has obvious hints of Classic Italian Prog bands, mainly PFM but also Banco and Le Orme. And of course early Genesis, especially the vocals are in the vein of Peter Gabriel. The singer uses the Italian language (evoking Angelo Branduardi) but he also sings in English, with hints from Bernardo Lanzetti (PFM, Acqua Fragile and Mangala Vallis), but less theatrical.

Despite the references, Vieux Carre do their best to blend own ideas, using a tasteful variety: from 24-carat symphonic rock in Palignesi (with fat Moog sounds, jazzy piano and Fripperian guitar) to a 'folky twist'in Greed, Grand piano in Palnodia and finally a jazzrock climate featuring a long and fiery guitar solo in Riconciliazione.

A promising debut album that sounds pleasant and varied.

My rating: 3,5 star.