DISTANZE RAVVICINATE

An unknown band from Turin, formed around mid-00's and consisting of members with a different music background, including Rock, Jazz, Funk, New Age and Psychedelia.It appears that around the time drummer Carmelo Contino joined the band, Ombraluce shifted towards more unconventional songwriting and the result of their efforts was taped in the 2011 digital album ''Distanze ravvicinate''.The line-up of the band was Carmelo Contino on drums, Andrea Rosso and Roberto Savoca on guitars, Sergio Afredini on bass, Giorgio Gonzini on keyboards and Alessandro Vitale on vocals.

The wide spectrum of influences is evident throughout an album with a vast palette of different sounds and styles, which sounds refreshing, albeit a bit inconsistent.During the first few cuts Ombraluce display their ability to compose easy-listening pieces with memorable and joyful tunes, characterized by quirky keyboards, funky bass lines, rockin' guitars and clean vocals.There is still some sort of instrumental value, but overall these cuts are destined to satisfy lovers of accesible Rock music.As the album unfolds the influences from Classic Italian Prog become more apparent and they often sound a lot like RANDONE and compatriots MONTEFELTRO: Poetic vocal deliveries, smooth piano lines, dreamy keyboard themes, symphonic flourishes and elaborate arrangements.They even added some sudden greaks and changing tempos among the more melodious parts to offer an interesting and polished Progressive Rock.DEMETRIO STRATOS has to be also a huge influence for singer Alessandro Vitale, while sometimes the music passes through loose textures with extended guitar soloing and a jazzier feeling overall, where the power of Rock music meets the depth of vocal experiments and the blend of different rhythms.

Ombraluce are still around and continue to appear in live performances, while a second work is yet to be desired.

Some very different music worlds combine in this Italian sextet to create a unique spectrum of diverse musicianship, likely to satisfy fans of pleasant, catchy yet challenging Progressive/Art Rock.Recommended.