LA MIA SCIA

Bassist Dario Gianni has sent me his sophomore album, and it's a real family affair with Lorenzo on guitars as well as keyboardist Roberto and lead vocalist Fabio Speranza, and drummer Giovanni Spadaro. Guest Gabriele Agosta shines wherever his ivories are needed, while Mateo Blundo carves some viola and violin on a couple of tracks, leaving Raffaele Schiavo to provide female vocals on the brief opener. The title translates as "My Trail" and a worthy voyage it will be, as I deeply enjoyed their debut "La Nebbia"!

Infused with a light North African tinge that gives credence to the title, "Kasbah" blasts forward with rigorous riffs, hurtling Crumar organ undertow (a fabulous vintage keyboard sound) and a cohesive rhythmic pulse, unafraid to brake at narrow intersections, only to resume acceleration on the wider streets, the bass pummelling like an engine on full burn, as it navigates the tight sonic neighbourhood. The rabid rhythm guitars are in perfect harmony with the athletic drumming, a solid composition that pulls no punches. A howling wolf introduces "La Luna Piena", not surprising as it means full moon. The atmosphere is enhanced with an overtly nocturnal sheen, jangling guitars scissored by an audacious bass slice, a repetitive chorus that look to the skies in awe. Lorenzo peels off a sizzling solo on his electric guitar, before the band goes for another journey around the moon.

Slightly on the slower side, and propelled by a robust bass, "Non Sarai" settles into a more romantic mode, though the guitars remain a tingling weave of phrasings, as Fabio sings his story with a hint of melancholia. Suggesting a neo-classical phase, "Jacaranda" swerves into acoustic guitar territory, ornamented with lovely strings (Matteo Blundo) and a heavenly choir mellotron, as Fabio emotes once again into his microphone, as an ornate piano is presented as well. A lovely piece of music.

"Descent "is perhaps the most overtly symphonic composition, spearheaded by swirling viola and violins, choral mellotron blasts and a momentous melodic strain throughout. The electric guitar redefines the anthemic qualities to perfection while the infectious keyboards elevate the cohesive expanse even further. Rhythmically, the bass and drums seem quite content to keep the foundation solid and let the soloists burn with passion, a killer instrumental track of the very highest order.

The title track has a sense of 'la belle vita' that only the Italians can master fully, irrespective of the tumultuous differences between cities, communes and the North/South divide throughout the boot. The spirit of wanting to enjoy, dream, love and sing are inherent traits found everywhere from Milano to Siracusa, and this track evokes this narrative thoroughly. It also comes across as effortless, poignant, wholesome and human.

The final and longest track is "1997" concludes an archetypal RPI composition, conclusively close to the unrestrictive flame of past legendary bands such as the PFM or Le Orme, and all their companions back in the glory days. The rather existential lyrics are inspired a combination of events, namely the guitarist's birth year, as well as a John Carpenter movie: "1997 Escape from New York". These sung words encompass the tracks on this album, as an inspiration to soldier on and strive to live a better life, regardless of the many hardships one might face in the 'journey' of our existence. The massive keyboard orchestrations, the driving beat, intertwining guitar phrasings and glorious vocals all combine to stamp this track as well as the entire album with a "Ben Fatto", well done!

4.5 Sicilian roads