DROPS

For one or two this might be a big surprise. The MAD CRAYON story already started in the mid 1980's. Apart from a demo cassette production they later on recorded three albums by the year 2009. And now, totally unexpected, after not less than 11 years, another new one appears with a bang. It's my first contact with the crew, and what sort of attractiveness! The band's core still is comprised of a stable quartet, namely Alessandro Di Benedetti, Daniele Agostinelli, Federico Tetti, Daniele Vitalone, taking care of the guitar, bass and keyboard instruments. Eh, invited, arrested, obliged, convinced, or whatever :-) somewhat unusual, all in all four different drummers are involved in the recordings. Anyway, this is a very worthwhile effort! Great variety is assured, due to symphonic, folk, pop, ambient, psychedelic and heavy rock elements merged together to something coherent.

Hence musically they are delivering some fine progressive art rock here. Lyrics are predominantly in English, but not all the way through. Thus a slight Rock Progressivo Italiano flair is given here at least. The band's kick-off is dominated by Vitalone's ambient synth pattern flow. Yeah, just A Sort of Incoming actually, garnered with some samples. Very melancholic. Due to a catchy refrain Bloody Days then follows more as an art pop song. But it's also somewhat reminiscent to Peter Hammill, I'd say. At least three of the musicians are sharing the vocal task, on top comes some proper female backing. On Where You Cannot Lie Tetti's slight accent is really striking, in a positive meaning. A tricky composition, nice piano lines everywhere, comfortable synths, wonderful short guitar solo. In summary: brilliant!

The Ape is hurrying without having vocals in the luggage furthermore, underway in the jungle on groovy and restless paths and Brian Auger reminiscent organ appearance. Disturbed Love showcases them with a hybrid, heavy outbursts and subtle charm are alternating. The Mad Crayon Run is offered in a very busy and colourful manner, I mean the tricky and heavy rocking behaviour. While playing together for more than thirty years in this constellation they eventually have abandoned the idea of making money by selling records. The desire to reach a high number of listeners with their music still stays though, as you can see, and hear. Fortunately! During round about 60 minute playing time they are delivering melodic and atmospheric songs, absolutely appealing. Bravo, 4.5 stars so far, though 'Drops' is a strong candidate for a masterpiece status in the long term.