ALPHA RAPHA BOULEVARD

Italian Proto-Prog band from Pavia, born out of the ashes of small Beat groups in late-60's with Giuseppe Barbieri and Aldo Tagliaferri on guitar/vocals, Tony Galante on keyboards, Paolo Buccelli on bass and Furio Sollazzi on drums.Come 1970 and I Numi face a severe line-up shake with only Buccelli and Sollazzi remaining from the original core, now featuring Roberto Tava and Mario Rognoni on guitar/vocals and Beppe Tiranzoni on keys.They came in touch with Bruno Pallesi, the boss of Polaris label, through keyboard player Mario Battaini, who watched the band live at the Napoleon Club in Lodi.They had also a strong relationship with singer/songwriter Guido Bolzoni, who helped I Numi by offering some of his compositions and contributing vocals in the self-titled track of their 1971 debut ''Alpha Ralpha Boulevard''.Sax/flute player Paolo Fabbri, who later became a regular member of the band, participated also in the album's recording sessions.

I Numi belong among the mass of Italian acts, which played during the traditional period between Beat Music and Progressive Rock.They sound a bit like METAMORFOSI during their first album minor the Classical influences and with more apparent psychedelic overtones, based on melodic Hammond organ, clean Italian vocals and guitar work that ranges from smooth playing to slightly jazzy vibes.While the 60's psych tunes are the most precious source of inspiration in here, the listener will detect a mood by the group to offer more intricate material, characterized by the change of tempos, the mix of mellow and harder parts and the few flute and harpsichord lines in chase of a less conventional style.They appear to be extremely talented on shifting between dramatic moments and sensitive deliveries with Pop underlines and all compositions are well-crafted with a balanced sound, very good vocals and memorable choruses.''Alpha Ralpha Boulevard'' lacks the true spirit of Prog Rock music as a very early entry within the Italian Prog circles, but the passion for good music and interesting arrangements is obvious throughout the album.

Somewhere in the middle of the road, which connects I POOH with GLI ALLUMINOGENI, and that is organ/guitar-dominated melodic Psych with progressive aspirations.Recommended.