INTOLERANCE

I first became aware of this Italian band around 2004 when I saw them listed in the Synphonic catalogue and the description beside their name was "Like PORCUPINE TREE". So naturally I picked up their debut "The Smell Of Rainy Air" and proceeded to write up a review after many listens only to find the band wasn't on here (haha). I don't know how many times i've done this, I guess i'm a slow learner. Anyway I was surprised to see them added here recently and thought i'd start with their second album "Intolerance" this time. By the way I don't hear the PORCUPINE TREE connection but maybe it's on one of their other albums. This particular record has a beautiful album cover but when you look close you can see the pollution washed up on shore, hence the album's title "Intolerance". The music really reminds me of the eighties as in the more upbeat aspect of THE CURE and also THE CHURCH mostly. All of these tracks are short and the vocals are in English.

"Aiye" is a short intro track with spoken words and experimental sounds. "The Trap" is an uptempo, feel good tune reminding me of the 80's. I like it. "Human Relations Tragedy" has this pulsating beat with vocals.The guitar replaces the beat briefly as these contrasts continue. It's kind of weird with the singing going on while spoken words join in later. "What Was The Use Of All This ?" has almost spoken vocals before a minute with piano and a beat. "Intolerance" has these 80's sounding guitars (THE CURE) as the vocals come in around 2 minutes. "Stored Inside" opens with spoken words then we get singing followed by more spoken words as these contrasts continue. Synths and gentle guitar help out.

"Blue And Grey" has a pulsating beat with vocals. "The Drumming Dream" is uptempo with vocals and it has that 80's vibe. "Refugee" opens with piano and accordion standing out as reserved vocals join in after a minute. "A Stab For A Waxwork" sounds good as piano, a beat and accordion lead the way in this instrumental. "Dreamup" brings THE CURE to mind once again. I like the energy late. "Friendly" has this TANGERINE DREAM-like intro and the guitar comes in around 1 1/2 minutes and it's Gilmour-like as the drums pound. Excellent track. "Aiye (Part Two)" ends it with relaxed piano and some atmosphere.

A pretty good album but there's not much here for Progressive fans to chew on.