PTAH

Phaedra was an Italian musical company featuring 8 musicians,rooted in 1993. They did concerts and festivals, their setlist was a blend of own material and covers, from Genesis, Yes, Rush en Marillion. During the years Phaedra suffered from multiple changes in the line-up but gradually the situation became more stable. And in 2010 the band finally succeeded to produce a debut CD entitled Path , as an own production. In 2013 Phaedra released their second album named Beyond The Storm, I am not familiar with the music.

Their sound on Ptah is a very melodic and pleasant mix of classical, folk and symphonic rock. The vocals often reminds me of early Le Orme, but not on that level, a bit less powerful. The instrumentation is very varied, from violin, piano, acoustic guitar and flute to organ, harpsichord, harmonica and mandolin, tastefully blended into the 14 tracks.

In general the classical overtones are obvious, with subtle use of keyboards: a clavinet (swinging sound like Wakeman solo) in Il Ciello Stellato, Mellotron choirs in Preghiera and Hammond in Il Peso Del Rimorso.

The use of the distinctive mandolin gives a folky touch to some songs.

My highlight is the long and alternating Dilemma Interiore: the one moment classical with violin and flute, the other moment 24-carat symphonic rock featuring a Hammond solo and heavy church organ waves.

To me this album sounds as a very fine and promising first effort, especially recommended to fans of Italian Prog like Il Castello Di Atlante.

My rating: 3,5 star.