LE ORE I GIORNI GLI ANNI

Inspired by Prog Rock, Jazz Rock and the Canterbury scene, Moogg started in 2003 in Brescia, Italy as the trio of drummer/singer Marco Dolfini, keyboardist Toni Gafforini and bassist Penny Rampulla with guitarist Ivan Vanoglio joining the following year.In 2007 the band recorded a demo, bringing them to the attention of the local music scene.2009 sees the exit of Rampulla and the coming of Gianluca Avanzati in the line-up, who was then a member of Notabene.At the fall of 2010 Moogg visited the Poddighe Studio in their hometown, five months later they had finished the recordings of their debut ''Le ore i giorni gli anni'', released on the native Mellow Records label.

The sources of inspiration of the band surface instantly on Moogg's debut, which is a delicate Canterbury-spiced Prog Rock/Fusion amalgam with sweet interplays, romantic melodies and even some fiery and dramatic sections, reminiscent of the Classic Italian Prog delivery.I am surprised they do not refer to Picchio dal Pozzo as one of their influences, cause there are some strong similarities between the two bands, anyway, echoes of CARAVAN and HATFIELD AND THE NORTH are evident throughout the album, from the slight psych-flavored vocal melodies and tunes to the consistent jazzy background, dominated by careful interactions, solos and breaks, featuring some great keyboard fanfares on electric piano and synthesizer.But the expressive Italian vocals will often add a personal touch to a very British-indluenced sound, while the more neurotic synth parts along with the bombastic material come a tad closer to the classic local groups like BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO during their mid-70's experiments.8 years of writing and performing had resulted to a good combination between semi-abstract soloing and solid musical structures, propelled by the superb guitar and keyboard parts.I loved it, when I saw a Mellotron in the album's credits, but this appears way too sporadically to fully appreciate its presence.Fusion legends IL BARICENTRO is also another group to come to mind while listening to ''Le ore i giorni gli anni'', a work containingh also some light funky vibes at moments.

File next to PICCHIO DAL POZZO.Elegant Prog Rock with major jazzy waves akin to the Canterbury bands plus some drama reminiscent of the Italian Prog pioneers.Solid and recommended release...3.5 stars.