SHAKESPEARE, LA DONNA, IL SOGNO

Reverie were born in 1996, direct out of the ashes of the Italian Symph Rock outfit Lethe, led by the guitarist of the later Valerio Vado and female singer/percussionist Fanny Fortunati.Their history is taped on three demo tapes from 1998, 2002 and 2004 respectively, they basically started playing in a Symphonic Prog style similar to Lethe and developed finally into an Ethnic Prog Rock ensemble, continuously expanding their line-up.By 2008 Vado and Fortunati were surrounded by their long-time flutist Fulvia Borini, Alberto Sozzi on keyboards/wind instruments, Daniele Defranchis on guitar and Andrea Amir Baroni on keyboards/harp/cello.It was time for the band's first full-length album ''Shakespeare, la donna, il sogno'', released as an independent production.

At the time Reverie ended up to be a small Chamber Folk orchestra, always adapting progressive flourishes in their style, and presenting an album full of ethereal soundscapes, angelic vocals by Fortunati (in three languages!) and smooth Prog-inclined textures, closing to the styles of GRYPHON and MANEIGE, without being excessive and focusing on atmospheric themes.Two particular styles are easily detected in the album: a mostly acoustic one with an intense lyricism, influences from Medieval Music and impressive executions on flutes, acoustic guitars, mandolin and clarinet, delivered by the band as a sweet orhestral combo and aiming towards nostalgic ages from the past.The second one is a more balanced effort with keyboards in evidence, but always strong acoustic overtones, having an obvious tendency towards the Baroque period and evident Classical overtones.Every style though is performed with detailed, almost flawless performances, even a bit of an upgraded electric background seems needed, and the music passes nicely through mystical periods, melancholic undertones and joyful moments.

A different face of Acoustic Progressive Rock.Intricate and atmospheric music with sensitive lines and beautiful vocals, a must-have for any fan of Prog Folk.Warmly recommended.