TERRA IN BOCCA

No doubt an important early entry in the RPI catalogue. I GIGANTI up to this album were a beat band with all four members taking part in vocals. That continues on this album by the way. In 1971 they decided to record a Progressive concept album based on an interview with a prisoner about the Mafia. They get some much needed help from guitarist Marcello Della Casa (LATTE E MIELE), bassist Ares Tavolazzi (AREA) and keyboardist Vince Tempera (IL VOLO). As I mentioned earlier all four members sing on this album and the vocals really dominate the sound here which I don't like. We're talking about spoken words, almost spoken vocals, passionate vocals, normal vocals well you get the picture. The instrumental work takes a back seat here. Yes this is a good example of why i'm not a fan of concept albums. This record is divided into two long suites.

"Prima Parte" has this dramatic intro before it settles with piano. More dramatics as the guitar comes in after 1 1/2 minutes. Piano follows as the tempo picks up. Guitar and mellotron after 3 minutes then we get vocals for the first time as it settles after 3 1/2 minutes. The rest of the way we get loads of mellotron and different vocal styles as the tempo and mood changes constantly.

"Seconde Parte" opens with drums as vocals and mellotron join in. This is good. Almost spoken vocals with piano 2 1/2 minutes in. Mellotron too then it fades as spoken words take over. It builds before 5 minutes with drums, piano and guitar standing out. Like the first side we then get frequent tempo and mood shifts while the vocals, keyboards and mellotron dominate.

There's no way I can give this more than 3 stars, but if your into concept albums and RPI then this will probably be right up your alley.