LUNGO IL SENTIERO DI PIETRA

This debut album form "Sithonia" opens on a heavier than usual song for this lovely genre but after some shaky moments, one gets back to the roots of a beautiful Italian symphony: complex keyboards play, strong vocals and a rather dynamic band. The music is very well accomplished and rather complex. It is quite eclectic (in the PA sense) to be honest and somewhat disturbing for the usual Italian prog fan that I am. So is the good "Achil Island" opener.

The story is of course different while one listens to the pastoral and early Genesis "Il Foglio Bianco". Sweet flute are the highlight of this gentle song. Some might call this an easy listening song, but it holds such a fine mood ...

For those who are thrilled by this band and their rather confidential debut, I would tell that there are some weak numbers as well. Some pop-rock oriented songs that don't necessarily have their place here ("Non Cercarli").

Vocals which are usually a strong point for most Italian bands, are not always top notch here. But this is due to the fact that this role is taken by more than one singer. If they are convincing during the tranquil "Confusi In Mezzo Ai Simboli", I can't say the same about the weak "Pubblicità".

"Confusi." also features the best instrumental part of this album and it should be considered as the highlight. It is a wonderful tune for early "Genesis" lovers (FYI, I might be considered as one of those).

The majestic beauty of "Il Sogno." adds another great piece of work to this album. Each aspect of the genre is almost featured: passionate vocals, intricate drumming (to be noticed during the second part) and pleasant keys. This is definitely another very good song here.

The most Italian song form this debut is probably "Folla di Passaggio". Sweet fluting, fine acoustic guitar: I guess that you know the combination. If ever "Trespass" is of your liking, this song might be considered as a jewel. But the whole album is a bit too much heading in this direction.

"Lungo." is a good album. Three stars is the definition of such a work, right?

SITHONIA belong to the small group of bands,like Ezra Winston and Nuova Era,who participated in the late-80's rebirth of Italian progressive rock.The band was found by keyboardist Paolo Nanetti in 1986 and was named after his vacation near an eponymous peninsula in Greece around the same time.He recruited members through friends and paper ads and in 1989 SITHONIA's debut ''Lungo il sentiero di pietra'' sees the light.Sounding like a less intense NUOVA ERA version and close to IL CASTELLO DI ATLANTE's style,SITHONIA's debut is very nice work reminiscent to the likes of the 70's Italian bands with the appropriate doses of the modern sound.The romantic moments of the album resemble to BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO,the fantastic keyboard/synth work reminds me of GENESIS' Tony Banks,the smooth guitars and flute parts is a nice example of PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI-like prog rock,while the vocal lines are sensitive and warm,much in the vein of the Italian traditional bands.Fans of Italian progressive rock (and not only them) should hurry and get this album.Absolutely great,romantic and emotional progressive rock!

The debut album from this very interesting "new generation" Rock Progressivo Italiano band.

The Rock Progressivo Italiano genre is mostly known for their 1970s bands and outputs. But it can be argued, with good reasons, that the more present days bands has released better albums. An interesting debate.... Anyway, this is the debut album from Sithonia, one of these new bands.

It is obvious that Sithonia has taken their inspirations from the old Rock Progressivo Italiano scene + Genesis albums like Trespass and Foxtrot. Well, after a shaky first two minutes of the album which would throw anyone of the scent of a good Rock Progressivo Italiano album. But after these two minutes, the album opens up into a lush Rock Progressivo Italiano scenario.

Lungo il sentiero di pietra is not as heavy as many Rock Progressivo Italiano albums are. There is no heavy prog guitars here. Instead, you get Paolo Nino Marcheselli's excellent vocals. This is some of the best vocals I have ever heard on a Rock Progressivo Italiano and they can be compared to Angelo Branduardi's vocals. But there are still a lot of excellent instrumental melodies here. They are performed with lush keyboards, flutes and acoustic/electric guitars. All with a vintage sound.

My gripes with this album is the lack of some great tracks. The sound and the musicians + vocals is great. But no great songs here makes it impossible to label this as a great album. But this is still a very good debut album from a great band.

3.5 stars