L'URLO RUBATO

The first album from Claudio Milano is in some ways more accessible than some of his later work (both solo and as a member of other projects). The classically-trained versatile vocalist/keyboardist/composer/artist makes some challenging music at times but the music here is generally very classical and opera oriented. There is not a whole lot of electronics here with vocals, piano, violin and flute being some of the main instruments used. This is more of a compilation of suites than the result of a single recording session. The three different parts were recorded in different years and divided into 43 seperate tracks; the tracks mostly segue together so you don't notice them passing by.

Tracks 1-5 make up "ma la servedi Genet?" from 2002. Mostly vocals and piano with some violin and saxophone as well. Very classical oriented. The last three tracks of this part were written by others but they don't sound out of place. A repeating 4 note melody is reprised. Tracks 6-24 comprise "Hamlet" from 2004. The largest, most diverse and interesting part of the album. There is a variety of instruments here including percussion and synth. There is some female vocals as well. More studio trickery here than on the rest of the album. Again, some melodies are reprised.

Tracks 25-43 are part of "building up a cathedral from me" recorded in the year 2000. Like "...Genet?" this is classically oriented but more synth/MIDI sounding. Some programmed jungle/drum'n'bass style beats at one point. Some more female vocals. The last track "Exit?" sounds like it was recorded live and features electric guitar and flute in addition to Claudio's vocals and programmed synth sounds. Overall this album would be of more interest to classical and opera fans than electronic music fans. Some avant-prog fans may enjoy "Hamlet." Interesting and enjoyable but Claudio has went on to do more interesting and enjoyable things. 3 stars.