INFINITY

A five-piece early-70's mysterious group from Alessandria in the region of Piemonte,which released just one album before fading into obscurity.The vinyl issue did not refer the musicians' names and we would have to wait until 2010 to discover the band's line-up,which was Alfredo Ferrari on keys,Franco Sorrenti and Mirko Mazza on guitars,Piero Repetto on bass and Giampaolo Pesce on drums.''Infinity'' was originally released in 1971 on Victory,followed by a Vinyl Magic CD re-issue in 1990.

Not exactly a concept album,as ''Infinity'' contains only sporadic wordless vocals,this one features strongly linked music pieces,all related to life's journey.The music is soft and dreamy in an Orchestral Rock vein ,not far from the Classical-influenced pieces of IL PAESE DEI BALOCCHI,with a lust for changing moods from mellow Classical themes to sombre acoustic passages.Despite its smooth character,''Infinity'' is a well-executed and ethereal listening with fantastic work by Ferrari on organ but especially mellotron and piano with his themes having often a cinematic vibe.Two guitarists are listed in Planetarium,but the guitar work is mostly limited to melancholic acoustic trippy explorations,surrounded by Ferrari's orchestral arrangements, and the few electric parts are quite dreamy and interesting with a psychedelic edge.A few compositions contain sound effects,flutes and wind instruments,making the whole feeling even more cinematic.

Four out of the album's tracks were released on two 1971 singles by Victory,but unfortunately Planetarium did not proceed on further recordings and disbanded shortly after these releases.

''Infinity'' is a daring album,regarding the year of its release,not outdated at all, with its own approach on the word ''Grandiosity''.If you are a fan of Classical Music and trippy keyboard- driven prog,the album is very close to your tastes.Warmly recommended.