UMANAMNESI

The first record from the then (1996) newly formed label Lizard features the eponimous debut of this modern italian prog band, Spirosfera. As all the albums issued under the Lizard label, the progressive temper is of a high level but, unfortunately still remain obscure for most people. Also the famous chilean band Akinetòn Retard issued some of their works under this label.

Describing the music of this one-shot band is very difficult. Some reviewers say it's a mix between Area and King Crimson plus a sparse metal flavour without abandoning hammond organ, piano and mellotron. Similarities can be found with Deus Ex Machina.

They're not too far from the truth, in my opinion. Spirosfera's trade mark are the dark sound and lyrics and, above all, the weird vocals of the singer Nicola Pavan who goes on (uptone) without any apparent connection with what the instruments are playing. Vocals appear only to follow the rythmic part.

Musicianship is fine and that evident metal addition never really becomes too all- absorbing. Arrengements are often complex but the "melodic" interludes aren't missing as in any respectable italian prog record. Ok, melodic parts a la Spirosfera, but melodic indeed, as in "Pensiero" (6,08 mns) which alternates with fragmented tempo and as "Emanamnesi" with its crazy contralto sax.

Noises have an important role for this album for the apocaliptic and dark visions of the band. Two band's members (drummer Johnny Berto and guitarist Mirko Baruzzo) and the guest musician Nicola Genovese (sax) have also focused their attention on them. The result is well evident in the mini epic "Deteoria" (15,19 mns) that can be considered their sound's manifesto.

All in all, this is a very difficult and demanding listening, mainly for the foolish vocals. At the same time it's very satisfactory for the great musicianship and for the originality in the whole italian contemporary prog scene.

3.50 the correct evaluation: very good.