The Italian Prog Appreciation den

If I was happy and enthusiastic with their "Il Gioco del Silenzio" album, now I have the same great feelings towards this DVD entitled "Come sta Annie?" which is a fabulous opportunity for us to know and appreciate the mysticism of Nichelodeon on stage. This band full of talented musicians does not focus only on the musical side of things, but they also have a fascination for the visual arts and films. One can appreciate that in this live show.

This DVD can be divided in two parts. The first one is the performance of six songs from their 2010 album (above mentioned); while the second one is a fantastic live soundtrack of the last "Twin Peaks" episode, so go figure what you are about to witness.

There is a humoristic introduction called "A solemn preface" where the image of the Pope and some spoken words appear; this leads to "Ombre Cinesi" which is the first track performed in this fantastic concert which took part (if I am not wrong) in Italy on last years' April 8th. The vocal work of Claudio Milano is simply outstanding, he is really in it, I mean, he really feels what he is doing so the crowd and us (the DVD spectators) can feel connected with him and the music surrounding us.

There are seven people on stage, all of them mutually helping and sharing their talent on the different instruments. The Rock in Opposition or Avant-Garde labels will spring to your mind immediately, and that is understandable, since it is what this band offers. Crazy, intelligent and complex music for your senses. "Apnea" is one of my favorite tracks from the album, and the performance here is simply brilliant. I also love the film edition and the different visual elements they create.

The other songs from the first part are "Claustrofilia"; "Se"; Cioche rimane" and "Malamore e la Luna". With this first half of the DVD you will be completely please, though it is music not so easy to dig, once you are in it, you will totally adore it. I honestly hope to see them on stage in the near future, because if a DVD can provoke these things on me, then in a live act I would end speechless.

The second part of this video is also amazing. I always enjoy that connection between music and films, here in Mexico City I've witnessed some concerts in movie theaters, where the musicians play the live soundtrack of some old mute films, and I always end up clapping and with a huge smile. I believe the people who attended to this Nichelodeon show had that feeling of astonishment and pleasure, because the musical score they prepared for the 20th anniversary of the last Twin Peaks episode is awesome.

"Passagio nella loggia near" is the title of this second part, which is also divided in a prologue and five more parts. All of them go well according to the images, so one can be watching the episode and feeling it, be part of it because of the music and nothing more. If you already know (and like) Twin Peaks you may feel even more connected, it is obvious that the name of Angelo Badalamenti will come to your mind, but now let these talented musicians do the rest. They are simply amazing!

While watching it I felt thrilled, excited, tense, and some other adjectives that I experienced, which indicates how good the music and the visuals are, because when an album, film, book or anything do something on you, it is evident that it has succeeded. Thumbs up for Nichelodeon, I hope they come to Mexico City one day, if not, may the destiny join us someday. This is a great DVD that I would recommend to any prog rock fan, and of course, especially to the avant-garde music lovers. My final grade will be four stars (4.5 would be more accurate actually).

Enjoy it!