IL PITTORE VOLANTE

Bassist Manlio Zacchia was replaced by Roberto Gardin after the release of ''Per... un mondo di cristallo'', but Raccomandata con Ricevuta di Ritorno disbanded shortly afterwards, refusing to play at the Sanremo Festival, forced by Fonit.Luciano Regoli and Nanni Civitenga later formed Samadhi and Francesco Francica became a member of Procession and Kaleidon.But in 2010 the band surprisingly returned with a new album and a line-up comprising of Luciano Regoli, Nanni Civitenga, Roberto Gardin and drummer Walter Martino, formerly of Libra, Reale Accademia di Musica and Goblin.The album ''Il pittore volante'' was released on BTF, featuring guest performances by Osanna's Lino Vairetti, Fabio Pignatelli and Claudio Simonetti from Goblin, Nicola Di Staso from Libra, Maurizio Parlotti from DGM and Carl Verheyen from Supertramp.It was recorded at Walter Martino's Minirec Studio on the island of Elba.

Firstly you've got to give credits to Luciano Regoli for the impressive artwork of the album, the man had been a painter for years as well as a leading figure during the early years of Italian Prog Metal'lers DGM.Second, you shouldn't expect something very close to ''Per... un mondo di cristallo'', gone is the ethereal, bucolic and symphonic sound of the band's legendary debut and the style presented here is much heavier, retaining much of the symphonic qualities of the long gone past.''Il pittore volante'' should be considered propably as a Heavy/Symphonic Rock album with occasional Medieterrenean flavors through the use of acoustic guitars and violin, while the expressive Italian vocals dominate the album.The music is based on powerful electric guitars with some lighter solos and moves on the way, the extended use of synthesizers and the Classical-influenced calm piano lines, which are often interrupted by acoustic textures and more poetic moments.The tracks are pretty long with a deep sense of diversity and some BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO sensibilities during the romantic vocal parts, the flexibility of the album is definitely tremendous with some dark and complex passages via the use of sax and even some hidden Fusion tastes, when the violin is upfront.''Il pittore volante'' glances to the past in the sparse organ-colored tunes and the vintage acoustics are still pronounced for a fair length of the album.But the overall sound is rather updated, especially when the electric guitars, the high-pitched vocals and modern keyboards come in evidence.Fortunately the arrangements are certainly written with a symphonic background and the Italian nuance is evident throughout the album.

One of the most decent comebacks among the old Italian groups, especially when considering that many of them were pretty dissapointing.Updated Italian Prog with folky, symphonic, pop and Fusion vibes and a few pretty great instrumental parts.Recommended.