STATI DI IMMAGINAZIONE

PFM's Stati di Immaginazione is an all-instrumental album from a lean three-man PFM lineup with guest keyboardists. Musically speaking, it doesn't so much remind me of their 1970s heyday so much as it makes me think of Steve Hackett's late 70s/early 80s solo work, or perhaps The Lens' sole album "A Word In Your Eye". Although there are some fast-paced bursts of energy, overall the mood of the album is calm and reflective, the performers playing for the joy of playing rather than to make any particular point.

There's an almost neo-prog vibe to it, which isn't so bad to my mind - it's nice to know PFM have kept an eye on the prog scene rather than stayed mired in their past - but it may put off purists who were hoping for something resembling their first three albums. It's great, but not essential - perfect if you're in the right mood, but there a number of equally good or better albums that cater to that exact mood too.