I SUPPLICANTI

Italian act from Torino, Piemonte with a short career during the late-90's.Camera Astralis were Franco Vassia on vocals, Davide Sgorlon on guitars, Andrea Tarnini on keyboards, Gianni Giannella on bass and Renato Cavallero on drums.Their sole release ''I supplicanti'' was released in 1998 on Imago label.

''I supplicanti'' is a fantastic journey of soft Symphonic Pop/Prog, heavily influenced by 76'-80' GENESIS with a romantic atmosphere throughout and an emphasis on alternating acoustic and electric parts of sheer beauty.Singer Franco Vassia is definitely the Italian PHIL COLLINS, the similarities between their voices is simply outstanding, so you can certainly expect some ethereal and warm singing.The compositions are smooth, based on great well-crafted melodies with nice piano work, orchestral mellotron parts and careful use of synthesizers by Tarnini and series of good guitar performances by Sgorlon, especially the acoustic parts resemble strongly to GENESIS' acoustic textures, but his electric solos are also nice and delicate with evident HACKETT- and GILMOUR-ish inspirations.The ability of the band to deliver elegant symphonic instrumentals after the memorable catchy vocal performances is stunning and the pair of well-crafted ballads towards the end is also welcome, sensitive and inspired musicianship all the way.It is a pitty Camera Astralis faded away after this album with no signs of further productions.

For fans of calm and melodic Progressive Rock this is a fantastic discovery, not to mention the GENESIS freaks out there, for whom ''I supplicanti'' is an essential chance to taste more of their beloved band's unique style by an (another) excellent Italian clone.Highly recommended.