CONTEA DEI CENTO CASTAGNI

Faveravola were found around 2002 in Treviso by keyboardist Giancarlo Nicorelli, bassist Adriano Durighetto, drummer Paolo Coltro and guitarist Alessandro Bonotto, all music veterans, who have performed with small bands in Italy during the 70's.The line-up was completed with ex-Asgard singer Franco Violo, Black Jester's Gianluca Tassi on electric guitars and Consuelo Marcon on violin.Based on a fantasy story with strong autobiographical notes written by Nicorelli, Faveravola debuted in 2006 with the album ''La contea dei cento castagni'', released on Lizard.Appearing in the album, delivering some narration parts, is also Le Orme's ex-leader Aldo Tagliapietra.

''La contea dei cento castagni'' is a beautiful album of gentle and emotional Italian Symphonic Rock with lots of pastoral passages, sometimes close to the likes of CELESTE, though always offered through a very professional and well-crafted musicianship.The whole atmosphere recall the glory days of the 70's, with vintage-influenced groups like IL CASTELLO DI ATLANTE or ERIS PLUVIA being good comparisons.The excellent arrangements with symphonic colors and folky overtones are characterized by dreamy organ and synth washes, extremely melodic violin drives and delicate flute parts, while Violo prooves to be the best choice behind the microphone with his ultra-sensitive voice.Electric guitars are used with measure and the album contains also plenty of atmospheric acoustic touches, often with a Medieval flavor.There is not much complexity in ''La contea dei cento castagni'', still the long tracks contain tons of variations with changing themes, from more dramatic lyrical sections to laid-back yet amazing musicianship.No need to mention some great melodies in the best Italian tradition are also included in this work.And the band shows a tremendous ability to transport its folky musical approach to the contemporary music stylings with comfort.

Faveravola appeared also in two compilation albums of the Musea label, ''Dante's Paradiso: The Divine Comedy - Part III'' and '' Decameron: Ten Days in 100 Novellas - Part 1'', but no further news have been heard about the band since then, although it seemed they were working in a follow-up album around the time.Hopefully their first album is not also their last, but if so, be sure to grab one of the best examples of melodic Italian Symph/Folk Rock of the modern era.Great melodies, fantastic vocals, tight arrangements.No less than highly recommended.