1998 - LA STORIA DI SABAZIO

TRIADE released just this one album back in 1973. They were a trio of keyboards, drums and guitar / bass. We do get some cello and there are a variety of keyboards offered. This is a rather laid back affair without the usual dynamics associated with the RPI genre. Vocals are mellow and the instrumental work is far from bombastic. It's taken some time for this music to "stick" with me and yet at the same time I like the style here even if it isn't that dynamic. It's sort of dark and melancholic much of the time.

The album opens with a four piece instrumental suite called "Sabazio". Part 1 has a mellow beginning with floating organ. Some life 1 1/2 minutes in as cymbals and cello join in. It kicks in at 2 minutes with keyboards leading. Part 2 has this pulsating organ with bass and drums. A calm 2 minutes in as we get a spacey mood. Part 3 features drums, pulsating organ and cello. It settles after a minute to a haunting soundscape then it kicks back in but more powerful than earlier. Part 4 is a dual keyboard piece at times.

"Il Cirio" has lots going on as keyboards and drums standout. Organ comes in too. "Espressione" opens with floating organ and acoustic guitar. Piano replaces the organ 1 1/2 minutes in. Vocals for the first time on the album arrive a minute later. Synths after 4 minutes. "Caro Fratelio" has some impressive organ work on it early in this uptempo track (for a change). Some nice bass too. It settles before 2 minutes with mellotron-like sounds, acoustic guitar and reserved vocals. Organ before 4 1/2 minutes takes over to the end. "1998 (Millenovecentonovintotto)" opens with strummed guitar. Vocals a minute in then drums after 1 1/2 minutes as it picks up. Great instrumental sound after 5 minutes.

Barely 4 stars but I think it's worth the rating. A nice change of pace actually for an RPI release.