INTORNO ALLA MIA CATTIVA EDUCAZIONE

A European capital like Milano certainly can offers the right input into the RPI Scene. Night life, the need to be always updated, the underground fashion, the competition to be on the cutting edge. One of the most valuable products is ALUSA FALLAX with a short and controversial music life.

They was born in 1967 from a previous band calls ADELFI. After a trial made by a record manager and Massimo Parretti the band arrive to the final formation with 4/5 of Adelfi and the entry of Massimo Parretti as a keyboardist (fifth member). In 1969 they've changed their name to Alusa Fallax and after the release of two singles (1969) they finally starts in Novara in Piemonte to play in some "dancing places". At the beginning their repertoire consisted of songs to make dancing people, and sometimes they proposed more sophisticated piece with approval of dancers. It is possible to say that their official debut with entire album has been at a theater in Novara in 1974 with CURVED AIR.

"Intorno Alla Mia Cattiva Educazione" born as Opera, as a screenplay, inspired to a character/puppet (that was scrambled in yhe concert during the busiest pieces) which has suffered a puritan education, unable to live and think freely. Another Concept album with complex texts and sophisticated arrangements.

The album plays with intricate change of times never boring, original in musical structures, thanks also to the classical preparation of the musicians. Dominate Massimo Perretti's keyboards, but drums and bass line follow very well the symphonies, and in the most pressing parts are very well done. Guido Gabet on guitar emphasizes the feelings of puppet in a masterly way with elaborated riff alternating to classic guitar. As background there are Jetro Tull interlacing, jazzy tones and references to PFM, KING CRIMSON, BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO, NEW TROLLS, in short much in line with the big bands. One of the band's strengths are certainly the voice of Augusto "Duty" Cirla, hoarse and rough, perfect for this story. Also the saxophonist, (one of the three Cirla Brothers) Mario Cirla has recreated King Crimson moments. The Opera that consists of two suites open with the first track which gives the musical main theme of the album, as a summary of the opera. "Soliloquio" express, whit a classical inspired flute, the pure feeling of loneliness, than open after a classic prog passage with the next track "Non Fatemi Caso". Passing through songs like the beautiful "Riflessioni Al Tramonto" (Reflections At Sunset) the reflection of puppet bring the listener toward the end of the first suite with the reborn of puppet to a new life.

The other suite start with "Per Iniziare Una Nuova Vita" (To Start A New Life) and continues passing through musical piece like "E' Oggi" and "E' Così Poco Quel Che Conosco" where flute, saxophone, keyboards and guitar recreate a gallop to freedom.

"Ciò Che Nasce Con Me" probably is the most emphasis load piece, as the soul of puppet finally can express himself between "winners and losers" . The closing song "Splendida Sensazione" starts with a very classic touch, a beautiful piano solo, and after a biting musical passage the song closes with a enchanting rhythm on the backdrop af a chorus.

The band broke up in 1979, after a only one Prog Gem and other two singles in 1977. A hard climbing in Italian music, a paradox where the mass wins clearly refined music like this. I hope they'll come together (hope soon) to produce some old dusty work.

I'd give them five stars, but there are a lot of other bands references, nothing copied, but maybe an intention to play so much "stuff", or maybe they were heavily influenced by the bands of the time. It's anyhow absolutely essential!

4,5 Stars