RITRATTO LIBERO

Another one of those Florence-based bands (along with Nuova Era and Il Trono dei Ricordi) flirting with old Italian Prog.They were found in early 2001 from the ashes of the band Campanile 18,led by singer/flutist Vieri Villi and keyboardist Gabriele Pasquali,who had previously played together in a short-lived band with the same name.The band released a live called ''Live estate'' in 2001,featuring both original compositions and cover songs from famous prog bands.In 2004 Chiave di Volta release their debut ''Ritratto Libero'' on the Italian label Lizard.

Complex Symphonic Prog with tons of interplays and mixed with KING CRIMSON-esque Fusion is the style of the album,containing six mainly long compositions at over 50 minutes.All of them are well-arranged and dangerously balanced between soft melodic moments and complicated, almost chaotic interplays.Vieri Villi is a great vocalist,performing both in romantic and dramatic veins.The calm moments of the album are characterized by Villi's warm vocal lines and soft flute playing and Pasquali's dominant piano and synths,close to the style of RANDONE.The most energetic parts of the album are way more complicated,ranging from flute-driven and keyboard-based symphonic interludes to complex Fusion with ROBERT FRIPP-ian arhythmical guitars,supported by obscure synth work.The rhythm section delivery is as well powerful and complex.The result is an album of good quality,filled with dramatic changes and trully progressive.

Unfortunately facts indicate that the band had quit from recording and performing,as no news around them are available after this release.''Ritratto Libero'' will please most fans of Symphonic Rock,Classic Italian Prog and complex Progressive Rock and comes strongly recommended,especially for those into these specific styles...3.5 stars.