EUROPA MINOR

Tugs were not a dissimilar case to Italian bands from the far past, that didn't earn the fame they deserved.Formed in Livorno in 1978 around Pietro Contorno (vocals, guitar), Nicola Melani (guitar), Bruno Rotolo (bass), Michele Lippi (keyboards) and Claudio Cecconi (drums), they tried to mix Classic Italian Prog with melodic Singer/Songwriting stylings.Their music came to another level during the 80's, when they performed their material on theater stages with the support of technicians and artists.It was around 1985, when Marco Susini joined Tugs on keyboards, but the band had little live left in the tank.In the new millenium the band returned with Contorno, Melani, Rotolo and Susini from the old line-up and new drummer Fabio Giannitrapani.2013 sees the official debut of the band ''Europa Minor'' on AMS, dedicated to the European history.The album features guest musicians Martina Benifei on cello, Claudio Fabiani on flute, Antonio Ghezzani on mandolin, Francesco Carmignani on violin and Matteo Scarpettini on percussion.

Another case of a band that could produce some lovely music and the revival of Progressive Rock gave them the chance to offer an interesting album.Tugs sound quite close to acts such as IL CASTELLO DI ATLANTE and PHAEDRA, beautiful Italian vocals surrounded by melodic still intricate musicianship with symphonic and folky parts, characterized by romantic textures, intricate interplays and grand breaks.Very balanced style, where flutes and violin often prevail, always supported by dreamy piano interludes and deep, keyboard moves.But the electric moments are not absent either.A great and energetic rhythm section provides the needed spark and Nicola Melani's appears to be a fantastic guitarist, delivering interesting lead parts and some great solos.As with every Italian band of the style, Classical Music is a major influence on Tugs' musicianship and the arrangements contain big symphonic sections with keyboards, strings and flute in the forefront.But an album dedicated to European history is sure to have also a pronounced Ethnic vibe, thus acoustic guitars and more traditional instrumentation often take over in rural textures, which still hold a secure rock background.Rich and melodic music, guided by the 30-years experience of the musicians within the Progressive Rock standards.

Over an hour of dreamy Italian Progressive Rock in a classic style.Melodious themes, symphonic movements, folky references and plenty of quirky instrumental passages.Warmly recommended.