DE REPUBLICA

This album succeeds first in being adventurous, second in having very accomplished playing, but there is the third issue: connecting with or grabbing the listener on an emotional level. For me they didn't nail the third one.

Highly adventurous music mixing Italian progressive jazz like Area with modern near-metal sound, amid violins and Latin vocals. Wild and crazy, this is music guaranteed to make your spouse produce divorce papers if played too often. They sound like a modern Italian Gentle Giant on steroids.

But like I said, emotionally it just didn't happen for me after many plays. The sound is quite cold and not organic, and leaves me watching the clock when I'm listening to it. Perhaps I'm not cerebral enough as this title has gotten much praise but I need the music to move me, not just impress me. But 3 stars for the acknowledged highly accomplished playing and unique sound.

If you think you'd like a mix of Gentle Giant with Area but with a modern hard edge, by all means try this.