VISION

No band can claim to have a more appropriate moniker than Italian band Phoenix Again , established in Brescia in 1981 as Phoenix , eventual dissolution in 1998, only to restore itself in 2010, adding the Again part. Their first 3 albums were utter joys, but the previous (2019) 'Friends of Spirit' was a sharp deviation from their strong RPI roots into a more acoustic, Latino/Spanish laid-back jazz groove that did not fare well in terms of ratings. They should have labelled it something else, such as 'the Lorandi family in Leon', or something similar. As befits a Phoenix, they rise back from the Hispanic ashes to revert to what they do best: masterful melodies, impeccable playing and very Italian prog.

The darting synthesizer swerves masterfully on "Overture", ably shouldered by tremendous guitar riffs, serpentine bass, powerful drumming and subsequent keyboard and electric guitar interplay. Their patented use of dual axe players conjure up images of 6 string intricacy that instantly hits the mark, as the duo provide power and delicacy, firmly intertwined, wrapped into cordial melodies. Time to settle down a bit and show some restrain by creating effective melodies, where extreme serenity and tonal splendour combine to recreate that magical Italian quality of romance within a musical form. All the players shine on their respective devices, as this band is a perfect platform for collective ensemble playing, followed by further revisits concentrated on each individual instrument. The fusion of classic prog with more modern electronic accoutrements is the hallmark of this remarkable epic track. The final segment is buzzingly grandiose and thrilling, something Hackett would applaud, grinning. "Moments in Life" is exquisite music, period.

The slightly more experimental "Triptych" dares to go beyond melody, veering into more obscure polyrhythmic gymnastics, proving that decades of experience can draw magical lines that would suit a roller coaster video. Brash, rugged, fiery, and utterly bold, the track serves its purpose in spades (as well as clubs, diamonds and clovers). Keeping their family feet firmly on the pleasure pedal, the 4 Lorandi brothers, aided by master keysman Andrea Piccinelli and deft drummer Silvano Silva, just keep showcasing their majestic talent on the suave "Air", offering a more dual acoustic guitar first half that imperceptibly morphs into prog heaven with a splendid guitar phraseology, getting progressively heavier as the mighty Mellotron kicks in and the bass guitar rises from its underground lair.

Can this aural delight possibly continue? Well, check out "Psycho" and see how high these lads can elevate their craft, as the Phoenix rises even higher on this monster track. Sizzling synthesizer leads scour the heavens at breakneck speed with strong Emerson/Wakeman tendencies, as Piccinelli rouses his talent on the ivories, setting the stage for the others to enter into the maelstrom. Its fast, furious and ?well, psychotic! The next track acts as a near segue as "La Fenice Alla Corte del Re" propels a sheer density of notes that will stun the technicians out there, while the atmosphere junkies (yours truly) will drool over the emotions the music explicitly encourages. At times, the intense guitar audacity is on a Frippian level, forcefully buzz sawing with total abandon. More polyrhythmic mayhem ensues, while still keeping a critical eye on the melodic horizon. The jet engine "Propulsione" is precisely that: a propulsive guided missile gone haywire, relentlessly in pursuit of some imminent explosion, launched with a militant lift-off which gathers speed and impulse until it reaches a sudden appearance of massive choir work, that will recall some early Crimson King theme that we all know and love. Very slick flare up, with fireworks lighting up the skies.

Two shorter pieces to finish off the album, "Mamma Rai" is a tender lullaby played on electric piano and acoustic guitar, the sound highly evocative of classical music etudes that have stood the test of time. This one will too, as the melody is beautiful. Half way through, it evolves into a more conventional rock format with powerful Celtic-tinged guitar phrasings , only to revert back and forth between the two melodic extremes. Very clever indeed. After all this previous excitement, "Three four" is a delicate lyrical 'arrivederci', as if the band wants to say that they will return with another splendid offering, once the Phoenix arises once Again.

One of the finest album covers in recent memory, brilliantly arousing the music inside.

5 Optical mirages