MAKUMBA

An Italian heavy symphonic group,PRESENCE belong among the bands of the late-80's/early- 90's return of Italian prog,and were formed and guided by gifted female singer Sophya Baccini,guitarist Sergio Casamassima and keyboardist Enrico Iglio.After the EP ''The Shadowning'',they focused on recording,releasing and performing their first full-length album ''Makumba'',which saw the light in 1992.

''Makumba'' is a decent release,a borderline Prog Rock/Metal album with bombastic keyboards,melodic guitar solos and high-pitched vocals by Baccini.The musicianship is not that complex,the album contains mainly short tracks with a standard structure. Complicated bass lines,symphonic synth parts,strong drumming and heavy but not metallic guitar work create a very rich,up-tempo and grandiose style,however far from the world personal.Baccini's vocals are good,twisting from angry singing to more sensitive lines.The result can be compared to other contemporary modern symphonic acts,such as DEVIL DOLL (but with a brighter style of course),CAIRO (but less complex) and ENTRANCE (the closest comparison).

The album flows nice and easy,it has a nice production and a trully majestic atmosphere,but doesn't deserve any praise regarding its originality.A good album for fans of fast 'n' furious,heavy and mainly keyboard-driven prog sound.