ALPHATAURUS

The debut album by Alphataurus contains all typical ingredients of Rock Progressivo Italiano: multiple keyboard layers, passionate vocals, Italian lyrics, quite strong melodies and decent experimenting.

However, guitar is more present than on a typical RPI album.

Three compositions reach over 9 minutes and the band have enough space to develop the music ideas.

Vocals remind me of early Kaipa because of the expression and voice colour. Guitar player is skilled and shows inclination to hard rock. Keyboards are almost always present and creative, from piano, organ to synthesizers.

The bass and drums greatly support the leading instruments.

My favourite parts are instrumental sections when the whole group shines on and these is evidenced in each song.

The first track sums up the band skills and inspiration. Changes of dynamism won't allow listeners to rest on laurels.

"Dopo l'uragano" has a more rock/hard-rock flavour than progressive rock but can be called anthemic. "Croma" is probably my favourite section on the album because it is so symphonic and solemn with keyboards in the foreground.

"La mente vola" has a nice vibraphone-sounding solo and a clear melody heavily dominated by keyboards.

"Ombra muta" is instrumentally the most complex song with plenty of interactions and it could have been more coherently done without brief vocals.

A good addition to anyone's RPI collection.