TRIP IN THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

I'm surprised, given the 1991 release date of "Trip in the Light of the World", and its solid neo meets bluesy rock style, that this album and group are not generally credited with spurring on the 1990s Italian prog revival. I suspect it could be because there isn't a lot about their debut that suggests the band's ethnic origins. Nonetheless, EGOBAND has forged their own style amid the influences, and, while the result falls short of excellent, it's not for lack of spirit or effort.

The thick synthesizers and bouncy rhythms and the vocals are certainly reminiscent of Gabriel and early Collins-era GENESIS, and I hear plenty of FISH-isms as well. The lyrics and concept are suitably murky which work to the overall benefit of the package. Here and there are odes to organ dominated R&B of the 1960s and 1970s, which can sometimes be irritatingly out of place, but at the same time they do project the band's unwillingness to accept the mere "neo prog" label.

Only a few tracks stand out, although none are bad by any means. The opener is an instrumental in which the keyboards have that sci-fi theme quality as well as sounding airily like wind instruments. The development and buildup are well executed. "Man, the rain, the door" is possibly the mellowest piece thanks to sensitive electric piano and acoustic guitar, but raunchy lead guitar and vocals also enter without changing the pace. "Nowdays and Fatality" starts with ambient keys and a short tentative vocal before expressive lead guitars herald the start of the song proper around the 90 second mark. From here it's a ponderous organ and solemn vocal fest. Comparisons to "Men of Lake" cannot be avoided as a result of both the vocal and instrumental choices and styles. The excellent drumming of Fabio Cioni is worth singling out as well.

While EGOBAND's debut is not a classic of neo or RPI, is confident without being self focused, and it may well light up your evening if not your world.