JET LAG

Jet Lag was to see a change of direction for Italian's PFM, one which seems to receive a cool reception by many fans of the band. It's their second to feature Roger Chapman soundalike vocalist Bernardo Lanzetti who sings in English, part of the bands ongoing plan to make serious inroads outside their native Italy.

Whilst it doesn't match the greatness of earlier classics like Per Un Amico or even the preceding Chocolate Kings for that matter, Jet Lag nevertheless has some fine moments. Musically the band venture into a more jazz rock orientated area, though deceptively the short acoustic Peninsula, which opens the album gives the impression that it's business as usual. However, the jazzy runs of the following title track give an early indication of a change in the air. It's one of the best tracks here; naturally the playing is excellent from all involved from such a high calibre band and over its nine minutes shifts through many moods and changes. Despite the jazz leanings there are moments where the PFM of old shines through like on the violin intro to Cerco La Lingua but to be honest these are few and far between and it soon descends into more jazz fuelled territory. The instrumental Meridiani is very good, with some fine lead guitar work from Franco Mussida. Ditto Left Handed Theory, with its unison bass and keyboard runs and dominant electric piano. In fact it's an album of pretty much overall consistent quality, though it has to be said lacking the exceptional compositions to reach classic status.

If you approach Jet lag with expectations of the more bombastic symphonic and mellow pastoral moments of old then you'll no doubt be disappointed. Taken on its own terms however and you have an enjoyable collection of jazz rock flavoured prog from one of the finest Italian bands of the seventies. 3 ½ stars.