ARBEIT MACHT FREI

Listed under Rock Progressivo Italiano, Area feels closer to Rock In Opposition, both for their left wing ideology and for their highly eclectic mix of jazz, rock, classical music and circus extravaganza. The fact that they immediately appealed to me supports that claim, not that RIO is easier on the ears then RPI but it simply suits my taste better. The vocals are highly dramatic, theatrical almost, ranging from hoarse bellowing to yodelling. Probably an acquired taste, but similar to Banco Del Mutual Soccorso, the vocals are one of the main attractions for me.

Luglio, Agosto, Settembre is an ode to Middle Eastern music. It starts with a spoken Arabian poem. My Arabian knowledge is limited to the word 'habibi' (loved-one), but I guess that's enough to claim it's a love poem. A touching Arabian clarinet melody and Middle Eastern dance rhythms drive this song into a furious craze. Arbeit Macht Frei builds up beautifully from seemingly random jazzy sounds into another fusion of styles, this time jazz-rock and Prog. It comes off like something between Zappa and Magma. Consapevoleza continuous in the same vein but is a bit harder to warm up to. The intricate rhythms and melodies will demand your returning attention. La Labbra Del Tempo rocks more and works easier, even if that remains relative given the high level of boiling creativity here. 240 Chilometri Da Smirne and L'Abbattimento further explore Area's jazz-rock meets RIA weirdness. Highly original and intruiging music.

Area has fully convinced me that I missed out on a huge well of Prog creativity. Some of this stuff has become hard to find and is frequently overpriced, so I'm glad I got there before you! Now go check it out as well and don't let yourself be beaten to it by other PA members!