UN MILIONE DI VOCI

Just a month after the release of Periferia del Mondo's debut the Italian band was among the names to participate in Demetrio Stratos' tribute album ''Omaggio a Demetrio Stratos'', a work of Mellow Records, covering a track by one of their favorite influences, Area and ''Arbeit macht frei''.The recordings of the second album ''Un milione di voci'' took place at Elefante Bianco Studio in Rome between November 2001 and April 2002.The album was again released via the Akarma label.

Yet another versatile album by Periferia del Mondo, mixing Jazz Rock with Psychedelic Rock tunes and echoes from the Classic Italian Prog era, the question was if these sounds combined would result a consistent album.The band grew well in time and, despite avoiding any attempts on long tracks, they came with a beautiful work, dominated by the pronounced violin runs of Alberto D'Annibale, the interesting keyboard work of Bruno Vegliante and the edgy electric guitars of Max Tommasi.They did not fall in the trap of resembling to vintage groups, presenting a modern production and they blended nicely the old stylings with contemporary sounds.I name the band as the Mediterrenean answer to FROGG CAFE, Periferia del Mondo play a flexible Prog Fusion, which respects the melody of Italian Music, explores the complex Prog territories and displays plenty of intelligent, virtuosic parts.Tons of organ, synthesizers and electric piano sit next to the fiery but also crying violin strings, the acoustic guitars add the appropriate folky enviroment, the rhythm section is pretty solid and the electric guitars burst some good amounts of energy.The arrangements are absolutely convincing with some poppy flavors around, powerful breaks, laid-back orchestrations and flashy, instrumental solos, wrapped up in very tight packages.Alessandro Papotto's wind instruments are rather downgraded and his main contribution comes in some nostalgic, dreamy, almost symphonic soundscapes of the legendary past.

Definition of Progressive Fusion.Elements of Jazz, Classical, Pop and Psych/Folk, offered through complicated but very consistent pieces.Nice work, strongly recommended...3.5 stars.