LONTANO NEL TEMPO (SE POSSIBILE)

One-shot Italian obscurity Sacka hailed from Torino and performed in Italian ground since 1996.Their only private release ''Lontano nel Tempo'' came out in 1999, distributed by Kaliphonia Records and recorded with 70's techniques in just a couple of days.The members used pseudonyms such as Steo (guitar), Alby (vocals), Coje (bass), Koppy (drums) and Ale (keyboards).

The album is split in 17 pieces ranging from just a few seconds to 8 minutes long.The short tracks either function as introduction pieces or feature narrations of little interest to those not familiar with the Italian language.The longer ones (over 5 minutes long, just 7 in number) are good examples of Italian Symphonic Rock surrounded by an energetic and almost jazzy at times rhythm section.Influenced by Classic 70's acts such BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO, PFM and AREA, the band delivers a very vintage-sounding style with a nice exchange between dynamic and smoother offerings.Lovely, melodic flutes, calm piano interludes and expressive vocals form the more retro face of the band, producing nice and melodic Symphonic Rock.But there is also plenty of instrumental breakouts in here with powerful guitars, deep bass and strong keyboard solos, with the interplays being numerous and complicated almost in a Prog Fusion style, absolutely professional and fascinating stuff.What is not professional is definitely the rather poor recording quality, which prevents the album from being a highly recommended release.

The biggest moment for the band came in 2000 with Sacka opening along with Cast for Steve Hackett's concert at Vigevano Prog Rock Festival.This was unfortunately one of the last experiences for Sacka, who later changed their name to Gaetano Spiava, playing in a more Jazz-Rock style after some line-up changes.

''Lontano nel Tempo'' is another fine example of an Italian band trying succesfully to recapture the atmosphere of 70's Italian Prog.And despite not being the easiest CD to be found in the market, it deserves certainly some hunting.Recommended.