IL TEMPO DELLA SEMINA

Il Tempo Della Semina is the second album from seventies Italian prog rockers Biglietto Per L'inferno. It's failure to be completed and released at the time was to shortly lead to the band splitting up and it didn't see the light of day until 1992 unfortunately. Not surprisingly it's a bit rough round the edges.

After their classic debut Il Tempo Della Semina is a bit of a disappointment but still contains some fine moments. Biglietto Per L'inferno occupy the heavier end of the RPI spectrum though less so here in comparison to their debut. While echoes of their debut are present there are less symphonic leanings and the sound is more varied. Clearly the band didn't want to produce part two of their debut and have made obvious effort to move forward and try something different. The result is an overall less cohesive and inspired effort though. Particularly noticeable is vocalist Claudio Canali's singing style which has changed I have to admit, not for the better. It's less refined lacking the more histrionic moments on their debut, having a rawer sound.

The title and opening track is excellent however, if not reaching the heights of their first album then not far off. Over the course of 10 minutes the music constantly shifts on this largely instrumental piece with only a short spoken word vocal part. Pleasing dual keyboard work against powerful guitar and a dynamic rhythm section and flute adding the icing on the cake, an instrument semingly prevalent in much Italian prog.

Mente Sola - Mente shows a few cracks appearing and is the least satisfying moment here as a horn honks against a background of all sorts of strange sounds until a synth takes over. Thankfully it's short lived at less than 3 minutes.

Viva Lotta Pensa is much better seeing the band back in symphonic vein on this keyboard dominated piece. L'arte Sublime Di Un Giusto Regnare has a Jethro Tull vibe and Solo Ma Vivo sees them fitting in a number of moods and changes on a relatively short song. Finally another longish song to close, La Canzone Del Padre doesn't work as well as Il Tempo..... but is still worthwhile, once again going through many changes.

So Il Tempo Della Semina while not being in the same league as their excellent debut still has enough of interest to make it a worthwhile purchase for RPI lovers though not essential listening by any means.