...E IL SUO RESPIRO ANCORA AGITA LE ONDE?

After the debut of Germinale drummer Matteo Amoroso abandoned the band for good.In the meantime Mellow Records asked the band to participate in two different tribute albums, one for Genesis and one for Van Der Graaf Generator, both of them were released in 1995.Between the two releases keyboardist Gabriele Guidi decided to move on with his metal act Athena and guitarist Saverio Barsali also quit to be replaced by Andrea Moretti and Salvo Lazzara respectively.In September 95' Germinale returned to the studio to record what was meant to become the band's sophomore work ''...E il suo respiro ancora agita le onde...'', released in early 1996.

The addition of the new members seems to have breezed some fresh air to Germinale's sound.While the style of the Italians hasn't changed significantly, the overall approach sounds more energetic and passionate, always supported by smoother symphonic moments but now displayed with also plenty of uptempo passages and a heavier dose of dynamics.The folkier PFM-like influences are still present, interpreted by instrumental textures based on the soft use of flutes, the sensitive voice of Alessandro Toniolo and the acoustic guitars, delivering calm and relaxing soundscapes.But there are also strong and emphatic Progressive Rock explosions in the best Italian tradition, like on ''1° Maggio'' with fantastic flute drives and great shifting moods aking to DALTON, DELIRIUM and OSANNA, while ''Le onde, respiro del mare'' contains some very nervous synth performances, heavy and crunchy guitars and tons of changing tempos and ''Avant - Grado'' combines the folky side of Germinale with the more energetic side of the group, flirting with DEUS EX MACHINA's style and featuring impressive guitar playing, rich Hammond organ and a furious rhythm section.The only track of the album featuring English lyrics is the closing ''Meurglys III (The Songwriters Guild)'', possibly the best piece included in this album.Atmospheric 70's-influenced Progressive Rock with a very dark atmosphere somewhere between VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR, KING CRIMSON and GENESIS with outlandish work on organs, flutes and piano alternating between psychedelic and demanding instrumental themes to go along with a very expressive vocal performance.

Germinale's second offering is definitely an improvement over the nice debut of the group.More balanced and diverse, this work can please all fans of retro-sounding Progressive Rock with a strong Italian flavor...3.5 stars.