IN CASE OF LOSS...

Probably every Prog Lover has heard, at least one time in lifetime, a Van Der Graaf Generator album, Certainly one of the most important Prog Rock bands which plays a key role also in the history of Rock Music. Following the echoes of this band was born in Italy, around 1997 (with several changes of members and of band's names) a brilliant band, which in 2003 they present themselves as "Areknames" (the same name of their first album), like a first album song of Franco Battiato. They had immediately success both by the public and critics so they left for a tour around Europe in 2005, and in 2006 they released their second album "Love Hate Round Trip".

At the beginning they was three member. Later the guitar, that previously was "ornamental", became (fortunately) structuring part of the band with Antonio Catalano, giving it a greater musical power. Without doubts the organic of the band is truly remarkable, but the real "Workhorse" is the multifaceted Michele Epifani. His musical curriculum is incredible: he's got a Master's degree in Musicology, two Diplomas in Composition, a specialization in Composition, also is keyboardist, songwriter, singer, compositor, arrangements maker. Maybe I forget somethings.

In 2010 they release their third album named "In Case Of Loss...", personally their masterpiece. In this album the sound is more complete than both previous albums, more elaborated and original. There aren't too many VDGG reaches as two previous works, each piece shines its light, so is possible to appreciate their high quality band.

The seven tracks album starts with "Beached". The usual sound of the band now appear more fluid, more musical. It's as if it was a production apart. I love so much that musical passage in the middle of the track, which introduces the guitar riff playing with keyboard and after that sufferer voice with the use of the echo! Another example more belonging to the band is "Dateless Diary", which contains in addition to the band's characteristics, the guitar. The icing on the cake! The same goes for the song "Where".

With the participation of some guest musicians, "In Case Of Loss..." plays with new elements, as in the second track "Alone", Carmine Lanieri Saxophone plays. The violin of Pierluigi Mancattin gives more sweet grains to the album, as is possible to listen it in "Don't Move". Sara Gentile cello in "Don't Move", "Where" and "The Very Last Number", and Cristiano Pomante vibraphone in "Beached" "Alone" and in the suite "The Very Last Number"

The most powerful song (my favorite) is "A New Song". After a "fairly sedate intro" followed by a slow guitar accompaniment, starts the battle! An increasing organ plays the two "same notes", and as the explosion of a supernova starts the guitar riff disrupted and magnetic. In a psychedelic atmosphere a gloomy bass line punctuates, together with drum, the rhythm to a beautiful solo. With some "Goldbuff" passages (and in general of VDGG) come back the voice which finds the inspiration to "A New Song". Fantastic reprise! In the final an Epifani keyboard solo (which reminds me another keyboard solo, but that unfortunately my mind can't never or doesn't want to remember) concludes the song.

The album ends with a suite. "The Very Last Number" is a surprise for me. A 21 minutes song with a dip in the past. Back to old memories introduced by a fluffy saxophone, and then after the listener is awakened by a galloping rhythm. Sometimes a violin plays recalling passed memories. It's like being cradled by something during the song. A very curious experience. I think it is a very valid song with many interesting passages and change of times, as they have accustomed us since the beginning.

This album represent their breakthrough, their maturity gained during their activity. An album which sounds like the best prog tradition, but in our days. All thanks to Michele Epifani, an artist with a thousand facets, always ready to accepts new challenges (as SUBTILIOR project).

5 Stars - "The Other Side Of The Italian Prog Style"