LAVORO D'AMORE

I had never heard the music of this superb Russian band until I was given their latest (9th!) album. And considering the subgenre that's not an encouraging one for me (and into which I wouldn't have placed them, on ground of this album anyway), things could have stayed that way. So, a big thank you!

All music is instrumental, very rich and variable in sound and mood (you'll hear at least some classical and folk nuances, cinematic music and Post-Rock). 'The Acknowledgement Day' is a gorgeous, energetic opener in which distorted electric guitar, flute and sparkling piano steal the attention in turns. It's followed by the mellower and slower title track. Indeed, there's a classic MIKE OLDFIELD vibe, but never up to the point of sounding copycats. Folk and art music flavour blend really decliciously. On the next track the atmosphere is mysterious and tense. The slightly jazzy trumpet makes its first notable appearance. This almost could be ENNIO MORRICONE at his most sinister, music from some obscure Italian crime film. The more lighthearted 'Il Vento Ritorna' features a fresh flute melody echoed by guitar, but the track gets quite unpredictable too.

The next track doesn't seem as inspired as the album in general this far, and the shift into edgier and rougher sound on 'Need For Someone Else' is for me a little disappointing thing. Gladly the track includes also a delicate end section. 'Invisible Animals' - by the way, my association from the bass line is PINK FLOYD's 'Run Like Hell' - pleases me better even though I'm beginning to miss the folk and classical flavour at this point. And straight away my wish is fulfilled: 'Every Branch...' is the most serene piece starring New Agey keyboards and soft flute. This sort of wide range in dynamics/atmosphere on an album is a very good thing when the coherence doesn't yet suffer at all. You really can't blame this band for sounding the same all the time!

Some more PINK FLOYD reminescence comes on the terrific 10th track 'What Are You Thinking About?' which is also the longest at 8:25. The MORRICONE-ish trumpet is starring on 'Ending', and some flute and harpsichord-like sounds add the classical touch. For the most part I'm quite impressed by this unique album - released by an Italian label - and strongly recommend it to even very demanding friends of Eclectic instrumental prog.