VOICES

MANGALA VALLIS releases his 4th album at the beginning of the year for a renewed sound, pop rock atmospheres a little used that made the happiness of our radio stations some time ago. They enjoy composing in harmony with sounds that seem to please them. "The Centre of Life" opens the album with a warm title, almost rocky voice and pop-prog-FM air, synth well present for an energetic rock with bass emphasis, then a well-placed solo that defines the sound well. "No Reason" continues with a more FM radio tune, both in tone and rhythm; the English voice is so pleasant to hear that there are no markers on Italian origin; after a few gentle choruses, the second part is very gradual with development around the synth and guitar solo also rhythmic, its well in the atmosphere of the 90's, catchy title. "Get It While You Can" follows with a warm piano and guitar arpeggio, all surrounded by Roberto's sensual and deep voice; alternating FM moments languorous style ballad and breaks more incisive with percussion well in place allows to give an airy and less intimate dimension, the guitar solo of Niky and the synth base of Gianfranco turning the ball in a beautiful way until the piano returns. "The Voice Inside" also begins with a piano and drum rhythm, and a high voice, reminiscent of what was done in the 80's and 90's, good but without any real novelty; here again, it's the guitar that saves the composition a little with notes that tear the air and make a little go in three times; FM solo par excellence , then return of the agreed chorus. "An End to an End" pushes the nail even further with this title pulling on new wave sounds with synths giving electronic rhythm; one is limited here on a pop-rock ballad to listen to in car and open windows or convertible, the air slide guitar limit country giving a little more in the genre with a battery of a shot highlighted, the end with an orchestral break almost symphonic . "Demon" arrives, energetic with synths again forward, it reminds from afar of the constructions of SAGA where synth turned the ball with the guitar during a verse; it's energetic, a bit of the GENESIS of the 80's or the MARILLION in fact, but without the voice here too garish, too acute; fortunately as since the beginning of the album, the title starts on a different tune, a second drawer in the middle of the course giving more sensitivity, more warmth to the development of the title well rock in fact with his guitar solo well placed; the last drawer returns squarely to a rock FM sound of the 80's with the invasive voice on a last solo. "Sour" for the 7th and final track of this short album for the romantic ballad centered on the beautiful voice of Roberto, impeccable English; it's sweet, languorous, not melancholy, just the ideal slow a little out of phase at the beginning of 2020; the guitar solo is there purely enjoyable, we imagine the lighters light up at the end of the concert (yes before the laptops, it was lighter!) MANGALA VALLIS has finally released an album, far from the sounds of the start, far from the neo-prog that characterized it, in a more modern and rock musical framework, but not metal, not jazzy as is often customary for some time. This album is at the crossroads of the 80's whether in the neo movement or in the new wave, more in fm rock. "Voices" is supposed to represent what is inside us, our voices and our thoughts about our advancing age and which actually requires synthesising the music we love. Hence the idea of freeing themselves from their roots and their reference groups from the start; the flaw because there is lack is the lack of imagination of this album that would be perfect in 1980, pleasant during the 90's, but which here is sorely lacking constructive energy and progressive clean. In fact, despite the touching voice and well-ordered sounds, it lacks the momentum of madness that characterizes the musical creations of the moment; a good album certainly, especially for this magic guitar during solos, but an album too common in fact, and that perhaps goes too far off the beaten track.

It has been some years since I last heard a new album from Mangala Vallis. Back in 2005 they released their second album 'Lycanthrope' with ex-PFM singer Bernardo Lanzetti, and I was fortunate enough to interview them at the time. It took seven years for them to return with their third album, 'Microsolco', during which time they had been through considerable line-up changes. There has now been another long gap until their fourth, 'Voices', however, this time around there has been just a single change in line-up, which consists of Roberto Tiranti (vocals), Gigi Cavalli Cocchi (drums), Mirco Consolini (electric and acoustic guitars, bass, backing vocals), Niky Milazzo (electric guitars) and 'new boy' Gianfranco Fornaciari (keyboards, backing vocals).

Whereas 'Lyncanthrope' was a trip back to the Seventies, this is far more fresh and in your face with modern keyboards combining with guitars in a way which has far more in common with crossover and even neo prog than it does with the RPI movement with which they are more commonly associated. This is fresh and inviting and is incredibly easy to listen to and Tiranti is a great singer with unaccented vocals, and with all lyrics in English this is a really enjoyable romp without ever setting the world on fire. For some reason there is the feeling of a lack of depth, and I would liked to have heard the band present with more dynamics and passion, as there is the impression that in some ways they are holding back. It is not as if the band is going through the motions, but there is little in the sense of exploration and it is almost as if they are working to a formula. The musicianship is good, but again the band feel restrained and there is little in the way of virtuosity or dynamics, and the result is something which is quite bland in many ways. Personally, I prefer my food to contain a range of spices, herbs, and flavours, and the same goes for my music. This is something I have enjoyed, but there is the impression it could have been so much more.

Its been a long time since Microsolco. Great work. Musically maybe their best. But i missed yet then the spectacular vocals of their former voices. Quite operatical ( simmilar to the ones of other great prog italiano band. Locanda delle fate) I remember with nostalgia his great performance in PFM Chocolate Kings Album

Actual vocals are very Good Specially to nowadays style of pop rock of the band Songs are all very Good. Solid music.

But this is not a very inspired prog rock album of a great band.

This music is simmilar to most of the american oriented rock creations ,for more massive audience

If i have to evaluate pop prog rock 4 stars. Maybe 4,5 stars.

But If i compare with their last rock progressivo italianoalbums , 2,5 to 3 stars