ANYWHERE BUT HOME

'Anywhere But Home' is the first full-length release of Italian band DROPSHARD. It has a variety of songs, from the pastoral 'Look Ahead' to despair laden 'Changing Colours', from acoustic 'Again' to closing track 'Look Behind'. There's darker edged bonus 'Freedom Supermarket' also. Their music is moody, sometimes uplifting, but always making good use of flowing melodies with superb instrumental and vocal harmonies completing the picture. Lots of light and shade in arrangements can be found. However these changes never sound forced. The result is a wonderfully atmospheric stuff. Everything comes together - Sebastiano Benatti's guitar work is exemplary, keyboards contribution of Tommaso Selleri is subtle, Alex Stucchi puts in a strong performance on bass, drummer Tommaso Mangione is spot on throughout and Enrico Scanu takes care of flute and lead vocals. This singer can reminds of Mariusz Duda. Obviously, the first gentle hint appears to be Riverside. Although you can hear traces of such renowned bands like Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater, Quidam, Satellite. Well, influences are present but Dropshard have their own style. With 'Anywhere But Home' these Italian guys have created an album full of intriguing and high quality music. This CD should appeal to a wide ranging prog audience.