BASTA!

Sweet Sense of Release

Clever Moniker

Italy's BASTA PUNTOESCLAMATIVO AKA BASTA! (took me embarrassingly long to get it), return with this sardonically, irreverently titled EP, celebrating that "sweet sense of release" when the urge to urinate overtakes the hapless swimmer(s) in the oceanic environs.

It's Short But At Least It's Brief

Yup, logs in at eleven whimsical, gritty, tasteful (!), chamber-progressive-tinged goofy minutes- plus that vital final eighteen seconds.

But to be fair, there's a heaping helping of fine music happening herein. Which for me is part of the pleasure- that contrast between the zany concept of the title track, and the excellent musicianship and composition on display. Although I can't be sure, BASTA! seems to be: - Damiano Bondi / Diamonica Hammond 44 (?); - Saverio Sisti / Electric Guitar; - Giacomo Soldani / Bass; - Andrea Tinacci / Clarinet/Bass clarinet; and - Alessio Jussi / Drums.

I have reason to believe this is reasonably accurate.

Whatever

The EP consists of two (2) tracks; opening with "Oceanurina" in which we hear reflective clean guitar chords soon joined by wistful melodica(?) sweetly presenting the melodic line, with restrained, yet splashy drums. Soon the clarinet joins in harmony and counterpoint lines, and keyboards help build along with a bass guitar underneath. The band begins to quietly cook with classic verve and some restraint with increasingly complex interplay.

Soon there's a gentler interlude leading back to the full melody, while the drums and bass back out somewhat, then gritty guitar chords enter. There are a number of increasingly complex clarinet and keyboard unison lines with that cooking but restrained rhythm section. Rhythm guitar adds some almost disco-funk before unwinding with the band getting heavier. The lead guitar enters with authority over staccato background, then develops into a embracing melodic passage in which the crunchy bass and the vibrant bass clarinet play a large role. Full band unison leads to the sweet melodica sound and clarinet, and fade.

"Alancora"

...which is apparently an updated version of "Alabasta" from BASTA!'s first album "Ogetta Di Studio" (which may be another clever title; again not sure)- opens with insouciant bass clarinet and bass guitar interacting, then smooth Hammond organ. Drums introduce distant but ripping guitar lines over wandering bass guitar. There's a sudden crescendo, with the electric lead guitar playing octaves, and a heavier band build-up with keyboards and gutsy guitar chords.

The trademark crisp, precise rhythm section keeps things cooking, then a shift to clarinet meandering in mid-range. Rich Hammond organ guilds, then there's a transition to funky little breaks with bass clarinet and keys tip-tapping together.

Another shift sounds like playful calypso, with bounce and verve, and there's funky unison playing with guitar/bass/keys, then a nice guitar/bass interplay. The full band comes steaming in which the bass clarinet takes a brief lead role over silky electric guitar. There are whimsical keyboard sounds and pretty slappin' bass guitar tones. This leads into a straight ahead melodic, punchy passage with the full band rocking with all cylinders firing.

There's a keyboard-led passage, a hush...

...and a quite dramatic climactic close...only to discover...

... bass synth rumble fading.

So This is Fun

I think BASTA! has created a blast of an EP, greater than the sum of its parts. My rating is 4 fun, funky stars.

Novel hedonistic zany Italian!

BASTA! is an eclectic electric progressive rock quintet from Tuscany, consisting of Damiano BONDI (Diamonica Hammond 44), Saverio SISTI (Electric Guitar, 8-Strings Guitar), Giacomo SOLDANI (Bass), Andrea TINACCI (Bass Clarinet, Clarinet), and Roberto MOLISSE (Drums).

If you go to Basta's website the first thing you see- "Our name is Basta!, which means "stop"? but nothing will stop us!" Well, that's a can-do-attitude. Elemento Antropico which translates to " Antropic Element" is the 2017 follow up to 2013's debut "Ogetta di Studio". I know nothing of Basta's debut but I will remedy that oversight soon.

Basta! exhales schizophrenic fumes. One moment "Lady and the Tramp" happy grotto Disney scene interupted by heavy guitar riffs that descend like large hail on a spring picnic. Invigorating and bracing thunderstorm to say the least. Madcap eccentric Peter and the Wolf chasing a Tasmanian Tuscany heavy prog dog tail. Giacomo Soldani's bass burbling beneath rusty razor edged Saverio Sisti's guitar leads. If you don't like the direction this is going then stick around for a minute. For me, Andrea Tinacci superb clarinet technique is the star of "Elemento Antropico". As a teenager I played Bass Clarinet, so I have a weakness for first-rate clarinet technique. Tinacci's has a classical meets Italian vino style. I like, I like. Actually, Damiano Bondi playing adds flavorful Italian squeezebox/harmonic accents throughout. For those who don't know, a Diamonica Hammond 44 is a Melodion (Keyboard Harmonica). With his melodeon Bondi creates a very warm and deep reed sound which is indispensable to Basta!'s identity. If you go to the Progarchive band page for Basta! you can see a photo of Bondi playing a melodeon, Tinnacci on bass clarinet and the rest of the band. Looks like they're having fun! .

Although diverse, the instrumentation tones always match and rhyme. Vocals? We don't need no vocals! Every now and then there's narration between songs. For fans of adventurous Peter and Wolf style classical clarinet, Heavy but not necessarily loud prog riffs, and Italian seaside bar" Diamonica Hammond 44" dynamics and avant-garde sensibilities. Basta's "Elemento Antropico" in a one of a kind album that would be fun to play while eating a "Lady and Tramp" spaghetti dinner. Instead of animated Disney dogs we got Bass clarinet and electric guitar dialog. Basta can be heard at Progstreaming.

3.6 stars rounded to 4 stars because I personally like it. An excellent addition to any progressive rock music collection.

Now this is something! I happened to hear this italian band on Progstreaming and they just blew me away immediately. After two listens I ordered their album right away! They basically play a melodic progressive rock with small hints of jazz and avant-garde. But don't be put of by the avant-garde-ish influences, they are just a small portion of what you get with this band. I would say they have just enough of avant-garde to keep this fresh and entertaining, and entertaining it is! The band moves easily between heavy arrangements to sweet mellow melodies to complex crazyness. Great stuff! The music is mostly instrumental but there are some spoken words sometimes, it is an italian band after all. They manage to keep the music feel modern and innovative but still keep the best of the progressive rock from the 70s. I just love how they move between really heavy arrangements to delicate interludes in seconds, very powerful and dynamic arrangements. It's melodic, theatrical and fun! If you love italian progressive rock, this is a must! This will probably be one of my favourite albums of 2017!!