N.T. ATOMIC SYSTEM [AKA: UNA NOTTE SUL MONTE CALVO]

When the NEW TROLLS split in two, the prog side of that band went with Vittorio De Scalzi to his conveniently titled NT (or New Trolls) Atomic System. They made just the two albums, this 1973 self titled release being the first.

The music here is diverse, ranging from strong ELP influences to jazz and classical, with of course nods in the direction of fellow countrymen PFM. Bearing in mind the year of release, the use of synthesiser is adventurous and proficient, especially on tracks such as " Ho visto poi" and " Una notte sul monte calvo". The latter track is very derivative of ELP, in terms of both the synth and piano use. The female backing vocals however are distracting, not to say cheesy.

The band use more time changes per track than most others manage in an entire album, with the Flower Kings like desire not to dwell on a theme appearing rather over enthusiastic at times. " Ibernazione" is a case in point, as it moves through piano backed vocals, ELP like organ, a softer section, sax, and an increasingly jazzy, unstructured closing section, and all in less than 6 minutes.

The closing "Butterfly" seems somewhat out of place, being a quasi-classical instrumental with a pleasant theme, and some fine harpsichord work.

If nothing else, NT Atomic System reminds us that the development of prog was by no means confined to the UK, with countries such as Italy also offering bands who were prepared to explore new areas, and push back the boundaries of the developing genre.

Worthy of investigation.

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