TILT - IMMAGINI PER UN ORECCHIO

This is the best album that i've heard in a while. They remind me of MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA at times, but during the mellow sections I think of PFM. Lots of mellotron too, and a drummer who reminds me of Peart and Cobham the way he is so fluid and powerful. Lots of sax and violin as well. This was apparently co-produced by AREA's guitarist Paolo Tofani.

"Gravita 9,81" opens with a blast of horns before it settles with mellotron, clarinet and violin. Amazing sound when the keys and drums come in. Gorgeous. I like the violin that follows.The bass and drums sound fantastic after 2 minutes as mellotron then sax comes in. The violin returns late. What a song ! My favourite off the album. "Strips" opens with keys as a brief guitar melody comes in. Check out the drumming and mellotron that follows. Violin, sax then vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. This reminds me of PFM, the gentle vocals and acoustic guitar. Beautiful. Mellotron before 3 minutes and violin follows.

"Corrosione" opens with mellotron as keys, drums and sax follow. A short but good instrumental. "Positivo / Negativo" opens with strummed guitar as violin comes in. Drums, bass, piano and vibes join in. It kicks into gear before 2 minutes with drums and violin leading the way. Guitar then comes in ripping it up. Nice. "In Cammino" opens with mellow sax lines. Electric piano, drums and violin 2 minutes in as the tempo picks up.The violin starts to rip it up. Mellotron before 3 minutes. Love the drumming and piano after 4 minutes. Guitar 4 1/2 minutes in is killer as the bass throbs. "Farenheit" is the only track without mellotron but then it's only 1:15 long. Piano opens before clarinet, drums and a fuller sound follows.

"Articolazioni" is almost 13 1/2 minutes long and it's a ride. It's led early by piano before violin and drums become prominant. Fantastic drumming here ! Nice bass too. Sax starts to lead. It settles before 3 minutes as sax and mellotron take over. Vocals follow. The drumming is so impressive before 5 minutes then it settles with mellotron. The tempo picks up as vocals return. Violin follows then a powerful section after 6 1/2 minutes comes in. It settles briefly with mellotron then kicks back in. Guitar, vocals and mellotron 8 1/2 minutes. Tempo picks up again. A great flood of mellotron 10 minutes in then it turns jazzy. Love the vocals 11 minutes in as it turns mellow. Mellotron is back. "Tilt" is the 2 1/2 minute closer. It's experimental with some dissonance but check out the mellotron !

Nothing less than 5 stars will do for this fantastic recording.