MURALES

Being their first studio album in more than 15 years, we didn't know what to expect when it came out in 2000. This album really impressed me. It doesn't sound like the albums they made in the 70s. The sound is fresh and more modern. In other words, they progressed.

Although they developped a new sound with this album, all the elements that I liked about the band are still there : jazzy harmonies, classical structures and a genuine italian sound. The songs are really emotionnal and not only technically oriented as many fusion bands tend to produce their music. The beautiful Nove Lune Prima brings me to tears.

The musicianship is perfect in this album. All of the band members got their moments to impress us. Some tracks are oriented on a particular instrument (eg ; Ali is bass oriented). It showcases the talent of the musicians which are all great. Furio Chirico plays his drums less powerfully than in some of their earlier releases but it still sounds perfect for the music. The two keyboardists dominates this album and they are great. Their keyboards sound nothing like what we are used to hear in most prog CDs. I don't know how to explain this but this whole album sound different from most prog. It sounds so polished. It doesn't sound raw at all. One of my friends actually thought this was a weak point in the album. I like it. Actually, this album's production need to be mentionned.

One of the few weak points in Murales are the small vocal parts. They are present in only a couple songs and never for a long time but they make the songs sound cheesy and new age in my opinion.

They are a lot of musical styles present in this album. Some are pure jazzy instrumentals while some contain pure rock elements. We even get a slight tropical feel in Sun and a tango with Astortango. This mix of musical elements along with the great musicianship makes this album really worthy. I recommend it to every fusion enthusiast and beautiful instrumentals lover.

Sincerely

-Bern