All Prog From Italy Appreciation Thread |
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Finnforest
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: February 03 2007 Location: The Heartland Status: Offline Points: 16913 |
Posted: March 05 2009 at 06:16 |
Good choice there Mandi, that is a very interesting title in the 70s Italian scene. Different, to be sure. Good one!
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Mandrakeroot
Forum Senior Member Italian Prog Specialist Joined: March 01 2006 Location: San Foca, Friûl Status: Offline Points: 5851 |
Posted: March 05 2009 at 09:32 |
I must say that 'Take Off' by Sangiuliano is, at this moment, my 'Best Italian Prog release'!
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Finnforest
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: February 03 2007 Location: The Heartland Status: Offline Points: 16913 |
Posted: March 05 2009 at 21:21 |
Hey RPI fanatics....here's a new 90s band we just added today...they have a bit of the classic sound (in the vocals and piano) mixed with a bit of the modern Crimson in the guitars especially
Ombre ancora luci Braindead Italian Symphonic Prog
Review by
Finnforest
— First review of this album —
A Crimson twist on classic Italian prog
Braindead, despite the unfortunate name, were a superb band on the 90s Sicilian scene, and the forbears of the band many of you know as Il Castello di Uova. The band convened in Marsala in 1990 and recorded a demo and a full length album plus two live recordings. They had a good live activity in their region. The band consisted of Pietro Li Causi (lead guitar, lyrics); Salvatore Sinatra (keyboards); Abele Gallo (drums); Maurizio Mannone (bass); Ninni Arini (acoustic guitar, vocals), Giacomo Anastasi (vocals) and Nicola Ratto (guitars and vocals). Many of the band members have known each other since their early days, growing up in the same neighborhood and still jamming on occasion for fun. They released their full length studio album “Ombre ancora luci” in 1998 and remained together until 2001. After that, Pietro, Salvatore, and Abele formed the next band on their journey together, Il Castello delle Uova, proudly featured on this site as well. Braindead’s influences include Banco, PFM, Rush, Area, and Crimson and their unique style reflects these choices. “Ombre ancora luci” is an album that stopped me in my tracks when I first heard it. Something in the vocal was just arresting, an air of authority, formality, and richness…and then came the twinkling piano as my heart started to melt. But alas, this was not going to be the strictly retro ‘70s revisit that the cover art might have projected, for when the band kicked in the style was a bit unexpected. Their musical influences include Banco, PFM, and Area, but also Crimson and Rush, and you can hear this playing out in the tracks. When the band locks and loads the modern shred-rock edge is there for some fireworks. Each track was written based on the writings of different classics of literature. Sogno di un viandante (the dream of a wayfarer) is dedicated to Italo Calvino's The Castle of Crossed Destinies. What a monster track this is! Delicious, dramatic piano announces the introduction of those arresting vocals I told you about, God I was hooked immediately. By the middle of the track they are just scorching away, the drenched electric leads and agile bass cookin’ away, yet never getting cold and impersonal which the technically-gifted sometimes slide into. The ending turns down the heat to some very playful synths over beautifully nimble percussion. Ooohh, nice. Il risveglio di Pessoa (the awakening of Pessoa) describes an imaginary morning waking in the life of Fernando Pessoa. Again the balance of the light and heavy is masterful, even behind the lead solo you can hear the repeating piano patterns and acoustic guitars remaining. Carovane (Caravans) is the second part of an older BD's song, entitled Il deserto (the desert), inspired by Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities. It is presented on this album recorded live at Rocckarossa 1995 and as you might expect contains some of the most extended jamming. The riffing gets almost Petrucci heavy in some spots but there are still milder sections coming and going with the sweet piano. The longest track is next—at over 9 minutes, Nello spazio del mare (in the space of the sea) is inspired by Dante Alighieri's reading of Homer's Odyssey. This track has my favorite opening with these repeating, swirling synth patterns that build up amazing tension before the guitar just explodes. The solo that follows is pure Adrian Belew in his wilder moments, that same charged guitar sound bursting with volume. They often remind me of Crimson but I find more warmth to the sound here and so I find it more enjoyable. Il poeta nell'ombra (the poet in the shadow) is dedicated to Jorge Luis Borges and reminds me of latter day Rush’s guitar sound. The percussion and pianos team up for some spirited interplay later in the track. La seduzione del non-ritorno is inspired by a poem of Bertolt Brecht and closes the album with a balls to the wall rocker, a manic jam-fest to crank way up. Braindead, who are anything but braindead musically, were another of the fine bands keeping the flame in 90s Italy. There are minor problems with the sound which in a few places sounds thin or uneven, and a few of the synth choices can sound a bit light to my ear. But the talent and potential of Braindead are undeniable and the feistiness of this release make it well worth checking out. The band would grow in variety with Castello so I have to rate this just a hair less at 3 ½ but I think it deserves the round up. Braindead is likely defunct now as the bands future releases will be under the Castello moniker. But this is still a very good album and you can get a copy quickly and easily through www.lulu.com. Recommended. |
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Todd
Special Collaborator RPI / Heavy Prog Team Joined: December 19 2007 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 3472 |
Posted: March 06 2009 at 12:46 |
Nice review as always, Jim! I got word a few days ago that my copy had been shipped (along with Castello delle Uova), so I'm excited to hear it soon! Thanks for opening our eyes to so many of these great, obscure bands.
By the way, for those interested, lulu.com also has a download feature that's about a third the cost of the CD. But there's nothing like having the CD in my opinion!
Jim, have you heard their live albums?
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Mandrakeroot
Forum Senior Member Italian Prog Specialist Joined: March 01 2006 Location: San Foca, Friûl Status: Offline Points: 5851 |
Posted: March 06 2009 at 15:08 |
Interesting review of interesting band, Jim!
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Finnforest
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: February 03 2007 Location: The Heartland Status: Offline Points: 16913 |
Posted: March 07 2009 at 09:16 |
Thanks guys, there so many of these good little bands flying under the radar, self-releasing quality material. It's becoming my mission to make sure they get some recognition. Everyone should have some notice of their work when its good, not just the overtly commercial bands.
Nope, haven't heard the live albums yet. I'm way more interested in studio work. If there's a DVD involved, thats a different story. Nothing like watching prog in your living room! |
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Luca Pacchiarini
Forum Senior Member Joined: March 08 2009 Location: home Status: Offline Points: 530 |
Posted: March 08 2009 at 13:48 |
Great thread
About interviews...
After listening for the first time to the Campo Di Marte album, I decided that I wanted to write a letter to any member of the band, with some questions, like in a interview.
To cut a long story short, I managed to find a copy of the Elenco Telefonico di Firenze 1975. (list of the addresses of the people who own a telephone).
I found the drummer's address (Felice Marcovecchio) and I wrote him a letter, asking if he wanted to answer some questions.
Too bad, he didn't reply :(
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micky
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: October 02 2005 Location: . Status: Offline Points: 46838 |
Posted: March 08 2009 at 13:50 |
that sucks.... we contacted Toni Pagliuca after a question came up here about his keyboard set up on Felona e sorona and he answered. A real gentleman... shame he didn't remember a damn thing about recording the album though hahahah.
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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Mandrakeroot
Forum Senior Member Italian Prog Specialist Joined: March 01 2006 Location: San Foca, Friûl Status: Offline Points: 5851 |
Posted: March 09 2009 at 09:30 |
Carlo Felice Marcovecchio is also the drummer of I Califfi in this album: COSÌ TI AMOI CaliffiItalian Symphonic ProgIs interesting in On Sale Music version (out of catalogue), the same lebel of this great album:
For this last album see: http://www.onsalemusic.it/prodotto.asp?sposta=4&cat=185
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memowakeman
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: May 19 2005 Location: Mexico City Status: Offline Points: 13032 |
Posted: March 09 2009 at 13:06 |
everyone take a look to this thread
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Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
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Mandrakeroot
Forum Senior Member Italian Prog Specialist Joined: March 01 2006 Location: San Foca, Friûl Status: Offline Points: 5851 |
Posted: March 09 2009 at 18:31 |
A great review this one:
The Book of Dreams
Mangala Vallis Rock Progressivo Italiano Review by tszirmay Mangala Vallis’ debut is quite a well-rounded story as the lush and rather breathtaking artwork of “Book of Dreams “will attest, serving up another hefty dose of spirited symphonic Prog “a l’ Italiana” and inspired by that well known giant literary progger , Jules Verne! This is really primo stuff as the band is spearheaded by the ravaging Hammond C-3 with Leslie, a heralded monster of legendary proportions and reputation, deftly played by Enzo Cattini. He is aided and abeted by Gigi Cavalli Cocchi on drums and the guitar/bass magic of Mirco Consolini. Added guests fill out the lead mike role (Vic Fraja, Matteo Setti and the future lead singer –on the next album- ex-PFM & Acqua Fragile vocalist Bernardo Lanzetti), as well as a saxophonist and violist. After the brief fanfare of “Ouverture”, the story line gets fully developed with some rather effervescent and grandiose arrangements (hello Mellotron M-400 and Mini-Moog D), “Is the End the Beginning” offering up some dizzying electric licks, all washed in cascading torrents of choir ‘Tron and energetic vocals by Setti. The title track really sets the speakers ablaze with a whirlwind romp that has Genesis’ signature all over it, from the zipping synth lead, the jangling 12 string guitars, the Rutherfordian bass pumping jovially along , all held by sprightly drums to the uncanny “Jacob wake up and tidy your room now “ feel , some nifty harmonies to boot. Yes, it’s a well-performed take on a classic and we are so much blessed for it. Fun! Hey, I Know What I Like! “The Journey” is a massive 12 minute piece that combines dashes of Genesis, close cousin Marillion and Pink “The Wall” Floyd. Vic’s English vocals are quite impressive, conveying the right amount of emotion without sounding like a Napolitan tourist guide (Madonna mia!). The organ typically devastates, the marshalling rhythm powers forward, giving the guitar the opportunity to stretch out and roam among the vaporous synth clouds. An excellent slice of first rate prog that sizzles all the way through, a cool synthesizer solo whistles by unforeseen and the crescendo “outro” is where the Floyd influence screams through the nebulae. Slide guitar squeals adorn appropriately and the insistent bliss is terrific. ”Days of Light” is probably the most Gabrielesque , something the sadly departed Shaun Guerin would have come up with, mainly due to the passionate vocal delivery , the gorgeous mellotron fueling the internal fire, with a duo of sultry sax solos (goodness, what a beautiful and warm sound, so un-Genesis and so desperately needed in prog). A definite winner that deserves lofty praise! “Under the Sea” menaces darkly at first, with glowing intensity and moody shifts, where barracuda-swift guitar torpedoes and synthesized dolphin solos mingle amid the chaotic water, organ swells cresting over the horizon. “Asha” is another Genesis inspired gem, full of delicate instrumental ornamentations that recall Collins’ work on Afterglow, highly romantic and even slightly commercial but Cattini’s energetic mellotron keeps things interesting throughout, a slim country style pickin in the midsection. A totally unexpected narration puts this one to rest. “The New Century” is another extended piece, featuring Signore Lanzetti and has heavy symphonic trappings. He has a trembling tremolo that needs getting used to, not everyone’s cup of tea and certainly not mine, but he does an admirable job nevertheless. Halfway across, the viola makes its gracious entrance while the axes churn gracefully in the foreground, a sedate solo accentuating the voyage. The final seconds rely on the now famous dialogue between Houston and The Eagle when landing on the Moon. Yes, this is certainly a worthwhile trip that deserves place in a prog collection. 4 Nautiluses Report this review (#205883) | Posted Monday, March 09, 2009, 18:26 |
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Pekka
Forum Senior Member Joined: August 03 2006 Location: Espoo, Finland Status: Offline Points: 6442 |
Posted: March 11 2009 at 14:46 |
I'm taking this micky quote from the Listening now thread and continue here:
It's always great to have some mystery albums that people keep praising but I can't get my head around. I keep trying and when the album finally hits me it's always great, and if it doesn't, I still have a ton of other albums I enjoy, and at least I tried Banco's debut and Io Sono Nato Libero have been such albums as well, but lately they have began to reveal their secrets. Listened to them again just now while washing dishes and cooking, and they seem very promising. |
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micky
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: October 02 2005 Location: . Status: Offline Points: 46838 |
Posted: March 11 2009 at 14:48 |
have you seen the YS review I was speaking of.. .it's not of this site?
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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Pekka
Forum Senior Member Joined: August 03 2006 Location: Espoo, Finland Status: Offline Points: 6442 |
Posted: March 11 2009 at 14:52 |
^ Mm, probably not, let's see it again?
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micky
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: October 02 2005 Location: . Status: Offline Points: 46838 |
Posted: March 11 2009 at 14:53 |
sure.. let me dig it up.. I used it as ..ahahha.. a warning. Best review I've read of it. Nails the album to a T.
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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micky
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: October 02 2005 Location: . Status: Offline Points: 46838 |
Posted: March 11 2009 at 14:55 |
here we go... I asked because I was curious if the potential turn-off's mentioned in the review were what you are feeling. Always curious about that kind of stuff hahha
Il Balleto di Bronzo's Ys is an unequivocal classic, and stands as one of the very best albums out of Italy, and perhaps among the finest examples of dark, heavy progressive. However, newbies to the Italian scene might want to approach this one with caution, since it can be tougher to get into than some of the other popular Italian works. This was one of the first Italian albums I got, and I was frankly unprepared for it. The pyrotechnic keyboards, thundering rhythms, the angular, punishing guitars and the abrasive vocals made for a work that I found initially dense and unrewarding. For an album that many have hailed as the best progressive rock album of all time, I was a little disappointed. Of course, I've come around by now, and certainly hold this album in high regard as one of the jewels of Italian prog, but that personal anecdote should serve as a caveat for those expecting to be blown away immediately, especially if not particularly predisposed towards the more dissonant branches of progressive rock. Still, Ys is a complete monster. The music on here is thundering, cacophonous and simply unrelenting in its sheer, brute force. This also stands as one of the best keyboard-based albums of all time; Gianni Leone employs the full range of classic keys, from Hammond, Moog and Mellotron to piano and harpsichord, pitting them in savage, fiery duels that will absolutely tear your head off. These are contrasted against violent guitar riffs and surging basslines, making for a chaotic, mindbendingly complex ride. The music is punctuated by Leone's caterwauling operatic vocals, which are perhaps the toughest part of the album to get into, but are eventually endearing and nothing if not emotional. Take "Introduzione", an absolute beast of a cut that builds from volcanic climax to climax, as Hammonds and Moog duel it out for supremacy. Take the opening riff of "Epilogo," with its brilliant arpeggiated theme that simply bursts at the seams with intensity. The entire album is a series of mindblowing passages, with few spots of respite to be found. An indispensable Italian classic, without a doubt. Greg Northrup [September 2001] |
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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Pekka
Forum Senior Member Joined: August 03 2006 Location: Espoo, Finland Status: Offline Points: 6442 |
Posted: March 11 2009 at 15:05 |
^ Thanks There are sections in Introduzione and Epilogo that I really enjoy, but the songs as a whole and the other three are still pretty unpenetrable perhaps exactly because of their unrelenting cacophony. I think I'll put it on again tomorrow, and now that I've been on a heavy ELP diet for a couple of days, maybe I can begin to digest YS better too
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micky
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: October 02 2005 Location: . Status: Offline Points: 46838 |
Posted: March 11 2009 at 15:13 |
cool.... I have always loved that review.. and Raff across the table nodded her approval. It really cuts to the heart of that album. For some ..it is love at first listen.. it was for me.... for others... it takes some time. That though.. can be a good thing... isn't that what prog is about. What seperates Prog from music that is easy to digest and disposable. It is supposed to challenge the listener. Seriously.. any one who gives up on an album.. especially one recognized as a classic sort of misses the boat about what prog is about. It isn't instant gratification... but a love-affair built over many listens... even years. Like mine was with TFTO. Thought large parts of that were simple plain noddling and drivel...but recognized that album was regarded as it was by serious prog fans for a reason. So every once in awhile I'd pop it in.. and one day.. viola!!! It clicked...
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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Pekka
Forum Senior Member Joined: August 03 2006 Location: Espoo, Finland Status: Offline Points: 6442 |
Posted: March 11 2009 at 15:37 |
^Yeah, I remember my first listens of Wish You Were Here and Fragile back in the early days of my prog fandom. Had to put both away midway through. Now I love both worth five and four and a half stars respectively. Would have missed so much if I didn't give them the second chance. In my defense I was probably having one of my punk phases or something, the second listens some time later (I think it was some years with Fragile) were already a hell of a lot better.
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jimmy_row
Forum Senior Member Joined: July 11 2007 Location: Hibernation Status: Offline Points: 2601 |
Posted: March 11 2009 at 17:10 |
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Signature Writers Guild on strike
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