QUELLA VECCHIA LOCANDA

This is the debut by an excellent RPI group that released only 2 (now-classic) albums before collapsing due to the lack of greater success. As with PFM, the sound of QVL included flute and violin, but these bands have otherwise quite different styles. Instead of PFM's soft, pastoral and romantic side QVL has more dynamic rock attitude, and more complex time signatures. (I prefer PFM.) These musicians share the passion for classical - especially Baroque - music, and many of them had classical studies. This shows mostly in the virtuotic use of instruments, especially on violin and keyboards (including harpsichord). The compositions are complex but not "symphonic" in the YES sense. The longest track lasts no more than 5:15.

One can make comparisons to e.g. KING CRIMSON and GENTLE GIANT, but QVL don't quite have the wide pallette of moods, forms or arrangements (like PFM also does), but instead play with high intensity - and complexity WITHIN the tracks - most of the time. One of the highlights is the soft instrumental first half of the ending track (title meaning "sleep, waking up and...") with the piano lead, where also the flute part is gentle. Then suddenly the sharp violin - soon followed by vocals, guitars and drums - brings more edge to the track. The flute is often very JETHRO TULL influenced. Acoustic guitar is not much heard even if there is some folk flavour here and there. The violin is often a bit too strong for my taste. Since I have several negative notions about this undisputed classic, I give it three stars only. Probably not on my Top Ten of Rock Progressivo Italiano albums, but definitely worth recommending if you enjoy classical influences served with the rock power.