DI CARNE, DI ANIMA

GTV is another Italian surprise, after years of meandering output, the celebrated Prog country is kicking serious butt again by unleashing a massive amount of new groups = Pandora, Il Bacio della Medusa, Il Labirinto di Specchi, La Coscienza di Zeno, Mappe Nootiche, Conqueror, Coral Caves, Corte Aulica, Fjieri, Notabene, L'Estato di San Martino, No Sound, Rohmer, Aries, Chiave di Volta, UTO and Narrow Pass, etc?.Tons of delicious stuff. Much like my RPI colleagues , I am astounded by this rather unique release, a heady mix of modern crunch united with old school elegance, a quartet that takes no prisoners in going for the jugular, both instrumentally where the playing is phenomenal and compositionally, creating strong musical moments. Guitarist Massimo Dolce can rage and fulminate as well a swoon and seduce, combining sizzling soloing with crunchy rhythms. He is the source of "weird ideas" as stated in the credits and he certainly delivers the unforeseen. Claudio Fillipeschi provides 2 crucial ingredients, a barrage of keyboards (though piano is the main vessel) and a stellar voice that is both debonair and expressive. Generally, RPI rhythm sections are not too shabby and both Flavio Timpanaro and Stefano Magini conspire to lay down a powerbase foundation that has no cracks. After the first 2 mini-openers, things get seriously into focus with the next 2 epics "Misera Venere" and "Quantocamia" are scintillating compositions that are simply mind blowing, both for elusive creativity and sonic restraint. While the first is refined and graceful with its looping bass-led motivation, scorching guitar, growling Hammond, howling mellotron and dignified vocals , (to be reprised later on a seductive part 2) , the second contrast nicely with a more forceful delivery, broodingly brutal and macho manly, the flailing drum/synth combo devastating everything in its path. The unruffled piano mid-section is to expire for, a liquid calm amid the raging gales, the ideal platform for a mercurial lead guitar solo that is concise yet striking. This is primo prog, ladies and gents! Three shorter tracks ensue, the delicate "L'Artista" supported by acoustic guitars, piano and lilting beat, giving the lead lung the stage to wail away in animated agony. Walls of keyboards contribute to the emotion. "L'Estremo Viaggiatore" goes in the other extreme, the bass upfront and center, morphing into a power chorus hurled convincingly, chugging guitar and blistering solo etc?The voice shines once again, the man can sing. "La Paura" is more oblique, less refined, kind of a stranger mix of styles (check out the sliced and diced guitar licks) including a main melody that contrasts nicely due to its overt unfussiness. This is another secure track. The afore- mentioned "Misera Venere reprise" is a killer track that has all the classic prog elements from Taurus bass pedals to intricate flute and swelling waves of anxious mellotron. The binary beat only adds to the thrill, propelling the forlorn mood ever forward, the trembling vocals shimmering brightly in resolute pain. Colossal highlight this is, complete with obligatory blasts of lead guitar. Wow! The finale is an 8 minute + closer that does not fail to inspire, piano leading the charge, holding the singer's hand (silly, 'coz it's the same person!), the progression remains deliberate and poised whilst adding classical touches (the huge string symphonics and the trumpet-like synths) that heighten the appeal immensely. The attention to the minutest detail is what makes this such a compelling recording. A long silence then proceeds to a totally unexpected sax blow-out goodbye that is uncredited to boot .

GTV is a welcome addition to the forever rejuvenated and rejuvenating RPI scene , proving once again that Italy is a prog hotbed of the very highest caliber. Can we have some more, please? Perhaps a bit longer , too .....

4.5 Tuned tunas

The artwork looks like a carbon-copy of Clepsydra's Alone, a fish looking into a mirror wondering if it's the most beautiful one in the sea.