PHERSU

This Italian group originally started life as a trio called Mardi Gras Experience, but they changed to Profusion, a combination of 'Progressive' and 'Fusion', in 2002 and at that time also expanded into a five-piece. This is the follow- up to 2012's 'Rewotower', which I really enjoyed, and was released in 2012. Previously, the band had been through some line-up changes but am pleased to note this is the same core group as we had on the previous release while there are just a few changes in the guests. Singer Luca Latini has a nice clear vocal style which makes her feel incredibly inviting when she is giving us a ballad, such as on "Free Fall", yet can also punch through with power when the band moves away from piano into something which is more metallic. As one might expect from their name, they are rarely happy to stick in any particular musical form for too long and bring together rock, prog, metal, pop, fusion, symphonic and synths as well as having Luca change her style.

When it was released, it was providing support to AIMA, the Italian non-profit organisation supporting Alzheimer's, with the proceeds of "Wrinkled Maiden" (which features mezzo soprano Anita Rachvelishvili adding some wonderful touches) being donated. The songs have plenty of hooks and are easy to listen to, while one never knows what direction they are going to be taken in, and the best thing is to just settle down for the ride and have fun.