WRONG FROM THE BEGINNING

Coming from the Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland and the city of Chiasso, Rumple Stiltzken Comune were formed in October 1973 by guitarist Luciano Storari, keyboardist Claudio Zaniolo and singer Claudio Adorni.Inspired by British Prog Rock they offered shows with light effects, costumes and dancers, much in the vein of Genesis.When Adorni left the band line-up changes occured and the new formation comprised of Storari and Zaniolo along with bassist Umbro Barbarossa, drummer Ezio Costantini and singer Mauro Marangoni, while Mauro Zanoli was added as a sixth official member on effects.The debut and only work of the band ''Wrong from the beginning'' was recorded in Lugano, mixed in Italy and released privately in 1977.Ex-member Claudio Adorni designed the artwork of the album.

The Swiss musicians were heavily influenced by GENESIS and VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR and offered four long tracks with lots of instrumental moves, which still lacked the personality or imagination of the most genuine Classic Prog Rock acts.Even so their arrangements were fairly interesting and quite rich, containing evident influences from Classical Music and Symphonic Rock, albeit in a rather darker style, which was pretty typical for the majority of Swiss Prog groups.The music is based on tricky keyboards, symphonic overtones, both romantic and haunting vocals and some nice interplays, while the bass work is particularly great.While they not distinguish themsleves from the bulk of other 70's Symphonic Rock acts, they did a pretty cool job with multi-colored themes and complex ideas, led by an omnipresent Claudio Zaniolo and his work on Hammond organ, Moog synthesizer and acoustic/electric piano.The guitar moves are rather soft and relaxed, helping to achive an elaborate and lush sound, and the vocals are decent but far from excellent.All tracks are characterized by tons of changing climates and musical variations, making the sound quite complicated and intricate, what these guys were not very good at was the display of some refined, melodious textures next to the more challenging material.

Black Rills were in time to reissue this Swiss oddity from late-70's.British-styled Prog Rock with symphonic nuances and nice keyboard work.Warmly recommended.