SUMMEREVE

I ended up listening to this album as a stream because I wanted to hear some more recent RPI. Apart from one Goblin album, my whole experience of RPI is based in the 1970s. (I am familiar with some non-RPI Italian groups from the last 20 years, however). So this whole group is news to me. This is the fourth in a string of albums named after a season. First spring, winter, autumn and now summer. This is instrumental music that, at least on this release, is heavily influenced by 1970s Genesis. Which is great if you like to listen to nothing but Genesis 24/7, but I was expecting a little more for a 2011 release.

The playing and sound is generally pretty good. The compositions, although not terribly original, are nonetheless not predictable either. There is some good use made of various percussion instruments. Lots of retro keyboards and use of bass pedals (like Genesis). The opener "Season's Overture" is the longest track and is divided into 6 different sections. This has a great cinematic and atmospheric beginning. Some great tribal percussion is joined by more atmospherics before the track goes into a good Genesis inspired part. Some tasty clavinet at one point...you don't hear enough clav in prog. This is great symphonic prog but it's nothing you wouldn't have heard before.

"Glares Of Light" is a very classical sounding piece until the rhythm section enters before 3 minutes. Then it becomes slow-paced Genesis inspired symph prog. I really like the retro synth sounds that end this song. "Evening Dance" is one of my faves here. Great mix of organ and acoustic guitar at the beginning. This song does not come off as a '70s symph prog tribute, which I why I probably like it so much. The tempo picks up later and we get some really great memorable keyboard work. Good flute and violin work in places as well. A rockin' guitar solo at the end. A highlight for sure.

"On The Sea" is more Genesis inspired stuff with cool bass pedals and Mellotron choir. The saturated electric piano sound here, however, is very different to Tony Banks' style. "Under Stars" is Genesis in acoustic mode but with great flute melodies and a voice speaking Italian at one point. "Blackmountains" by contrast starts off rocking hard. Then a great mix of percussion and atmospheric keyboards. Later some great acoustic guitar and violin playing.

"Prelude Of An Elegy" starts off with an almost New Wave, very 1980s type of beat. The synth playing here is awesome. The bass is simple but keeps a groove going. As good as it was getting, it goes into slow-paced Genesis territory for the last minute. Another highlight anyway. "Edge Of Summer" is very Genesis sounding (shocked yet?). After awhile I start to think I AM listening to Genesis. When I hear music like this I feel I would be better served by listening to Foxtrot or A Trick Of The Tail instead. This is very derivitive and somewhat retro sounding but is well done and enjoyable nonetheless. I'll give this 3 stars.