FROST OF WATERMELON

I must admit that after one listen there's no way I thought I would give this 4 stars. Well it grew on me quickly.The vocals sound like they belong in the Neo-Prog genre, reminding me of the guy from SHAKERY at times.Yes this Italian sings in English.This is a long one (76 minutes) but there's so much great stuff on here I have to give it a low 4 stars.

"Limbo" is a top three track and believe it or not it has a Swedish flavour to it. Strummed guitar to open as vocals and a fuller sound arrive quickly. It does turn aggressive and 3 1/2 minutes in we get emotional vocals. "Men I Met" is a short uptempo vocal track. "Walking And Talking" is another top three tune.They slow it down here and it's quite beautiful. It does kick in at 1 1/2 minutes with emotion then it settles back as contrasts continue. "When I Lose" is laid back to start with vocals. It picks up before 1 1/2 minutes and the guitar comes to the fore after 3 minutes when the vocals stop. Flute replaces the guitar until after 4 1/2 minutes when the guitar returns and lights it up with mellotron. "Past Days" is a very good instrumental piece. It has a good beat with some intense outbreaks.

"Wet Of Sky" opens with acoustic guitar as reserved vocals join in. It's raining. "My World" is laid back with strummed guitar and vocals.This sounds much better when it picks up. Some nice guitar after 4 1/2 minutes. "Bridge To Maya" opens with the sound of birds and mellotron. It kicks in louder at 2 1/2 minutes. A heavier sound before 6 1/2 minutes. "Synaptic Ghost" sounds cool as the vocals join in. A heavier sound comes and goes. Just a great sounding track. "Sun Beyond Time" is my other top three. I really enjoy this one especially the vocals.The guitar leads before 3 minutes then it settles back with vocals 5 minutes in and builds beautifully. More great guitar late. "First Stones" has acoustic guitar, reserved vocals and aboe that comes and goes. It's fuller after 2 minutes. So good.

"Mad And Child" is a 24 minute, 4 song suite to end the album. It opens with "You" which is fairly laid back and it really reminds me of SHAKERY. It does get heavier late. "Mother Nature" has some mandolin in it and it's mellow until picking up late. "Father" is pastoral with acoustic guitar and more reserved vocals. It does pick up. Some accordion in this one too and the guitar comes to the fore around 5 1/2 minutes. "Myself" has lots of percussion and intricate acoustic guitar.Vocals join in and then it kicks in after 2 1/2 minutes.We get a calm later on.

This is a good one and worth checking out.