LAVORO D'AMORE

ROZ VITALIS is a band i've never heard before their ninth album LAVORO D'AMORE (Work Of Love). Despite the Italian album title, this is a Russian band that is from St. Petersburg. Although this band's music is placed in the avant-prog section, this particular album doesn't seem like it belongs there at all. This is some kind of classical composition music that merges with art rock, art folk and symphonic prog. The result of this hybrid style is very pleasant and well composed music that has its main focus on the melodies that instantly hook you and sink their teeth into your ears. I was surprised when i put this on just how melodic it is and how much i love listening to it again and again.

This album starts out very folky with a beautiful flute line that begins 'The Acknowledgement Day'. Not exactly Ian Anderson but more like a Focus inspired Thijs van Leer sound but not a mere copycat or anything, simply in the mood producing department. The sound jumps into a more aggressive one with guitars and a heavy rockin' groove. The second track which is the title track is a more subdued affair. It is a beautiful melodic slow burner that is guitar oriented and melodically pleasing (as are all of them!) This is an album of subtle differences. Basically the main focus is on pleasing melodic compositions which basically every track succeeds in. There is a light to occasionally heavy rock approach but the flute, trumpet, ukelele and various keyboard effects really add some eclecticness to the whole thing. BTW this is an entirely instrumental album that will surely appeal to retro proggers who long for that good old melodic type of prog from the 70s but will find there is plenty to bring this into the modern day.

Personally i'm not really sure why other reviewers are so against the production and mixing of this album. It's those qualities that give this album a unique sound and i actually really love the production and mixing effects here. It totally adds a layer on the sound effects that the instruments can't achieve on their own. Maybe i'm just a warped individual who loves brashness and daring bold new experimental procedures but i'm not afraid to call an experiment a failure if the final result warrants such critique. In the case of LAVORO D'AMORE i find i really, really dig the whole enchilada: the musical compositions, the production, the delivery etc. Why not 5 stars? Towards the end the album seems to sag. Not that the tracks are bad but because the formula seems to run out of gas. Still though, i really have been enjoying this album on multiple listens and once i put it on i have to let it run its entirety. Not a bad thing for a music addict!