IL MUCCHIO

Psych/Prog quintet from Venice, found in 1970.The line-up consisted of Maurizio Rivoltella (harpsichord, clarinet, vocals), Sandro Zane (keyboards, vocals), Luciano Zanardo (bass, vocals), Sergio Piazza (vocals, flute) and Marino Rebeschini (drums).Their only self-titled album was released in 1970 on Carosello Records.

This was basically a Proto-Prog album, showcasing a band trying to escape from the typical Italian Psych/Beat style and evolve themselves into more adventurous arrangements.The results though are rather questionable.The shorter tracks contain catchy choruses and dull multi-vocal harmonies in a NEW TROLLS style, being still fairly rooted in 60's Pop/Rock with organ as a lead instrument and a psychedelic rhythm section.On the other hand the longer compositions are a mixed bag.The 60's influence is still strong, but the arrangements are in a more progressive style with nice (but very dated) organ/harpsichord leads along with a fair dose of instrumental passages with a touch of Classical influence.However the band never really escaped from the typical song format.

After the release of the album Piazza left to do his military obligations, followed soon by Zane and Rebeschini.A new Il Mucchio formation was established with Zanardo and Rivoltella now joined by Roberto Fagotto (vocals, guitar), Franco Carradori (drums) and Luciano Basso (keyboards).This line-up recorded two singles in 1972 and 1973 respectively, all four tracks of which are contained on the CD reissues of the album (from Mellow Records and Korean label Si-Wan).These tracks have a richer sound due to addition of the electric guitars, but again the style remains deeply based on the organ,harpsichord and piano leads,though this time in a more elaborate style, with this Psych feeling still dominating the atmosphere and the vocal parts being again quite cheesy.

The band finally split up in 1975 to come back 20 years later, featuring three original members ((Piazza, Zane and Zanardo).Il Mucchio stayed around for a couple of years, mainly performing live.

I can only recommend this album to fans of organ-driven Proto-Prog or die-hard Italian Prog followers.The tracks are not that memorable or fascinating, leaning more towards the psychedelic side of rock than the progressive one, and even this category of music lovers should approach with caution.