L'ISOLA DI NIENTE

"L'isola Di Niente" is my third experience with PFM, one of the giants of RPI and what a pleasant experience it is. While not as cohesive as their two previous albums, the album offers ballads, jazz fusion, light-heartedness, and some good old RPI, all in one! We can see a mature PFM, pushing boundaries, taking on more challenges, and delving more into experimentation.

This album is a great listen for whatever occasion. Whether you are watering the grass, on the way to school, or just relaxing, "L'isola Di Niente" is sure to put you in a good mood. The tracks reveal different personalities, which one will surely enjoy thoroughly. The title track starts things off with a captivating choir and then the "heavy" guitar riff makes its way in. The bass throughout the song is incredible and makes me want to play air bass (who needs air guitar?) A great opener that marks its presence. Then on to the whimsical "Is My Face on Straight", which offers a bit of comic relief after the epic that preceded. I find it funny and I usually sing along to it (although my singing talents are questionable).

"La Luna Nuova" has a sort of dreamy aspect to it, with delicious guitar and keyboards and is one of the stronger songs of the album. And on to "Dolcissima Maria", the ballad, and not a bad one at that. Soft and touching, the song goes to show that not all songs need be powerful with complex arrangements. The vocals definitely stand out, which are absolutely exceptional. The instrumental "Via Lumiere" ends things off on a very stalwart note. The jazziest of the songs, this one will surely appeal to those who like some jazz fusion in their prog. Overall, a great end to a great album.

Despite having some minor flaws, such as the sound of the guitar and vocals on the first track, "L'isola Di Niente" proves to be a worthy album, definitely among the best of Italian prog, as far as I know. It is a must for RPI enthusiasts and a wonderful album for any prog fanatic.

1. "L'isola Di Niente" - 9/10

2. "Is My Face on Straight" - 9/10

3. "La Luna Nuova" - 8.5/10

4. "Dolcissima Maria" - 8.5/10

5. "Via Lumiere" - 8.5/10

43.5/5 = 87% = 4(+) stars, well deserved.