HANBLECHEYA

Il Labirinto di Specchi is another discovery that transcends the boundaries of prog once again, clearly showing off the incredible inspiration from young Italian musicians who remain dedicated to expanding new frontiers of the RPI genre. This recording seeks to blur the line between Space/Psychedelic, Electronic, Avant-Garde and the classic Italian school of Prog. Thanks to my good friends at PA for hitching me on this ride (Finn, Mr.Davie et al?) . The premise here is directed at more experimental options, bookended by the Eclissi pieces that characterize the band's esoteric vision, starring impulsive bass player Filippo Menconi who slaps, slams and throttles bewitchingly, aided and abetted by two keyboardists who fancy swirling synthesizer spirals to adorn their craft and a coarse guitarist in Gabriele Marroni , unafraid to shred convincingly. This is not easy music by any standards, demanding a fair amount of concentration, as the moods shift constantly like some unending earthquake, tremors galore. On the spectral "Fantasia" the bass rumbles defiant, pulsating as if twitched by some unknown spasm, unpredictably guiding the listener towards some distant sonic bliss. Paolo Carelli's narration provides an appropriate context with brief readings that only supply deeper breath and width to the proceedings. On the next track, there are dark and dissonant intervals that shock one into disbelief, somewhat similar to cascading dreams colliding with indistinct nightmares, a perpetual sense of phantom imbalance and ghostly dread vying for supremacy. This is no Neo-prog by any stretch, nothing romantic here at all. Fun though?.The 10 minute "Purpurea" resorts to more conventional fare, brooding at first and then evolving into more muscular musings, the bass way ahead of the game. The pace becomes fast and furious with hints of modern KC walking on air, spurious acknowledgement of higher powers leading the charge, spotlighting Marroni's axe blasting away with grim abandon. Hot Dog! Crank up the volume lever, per piacere! A fab piano mid- section only contributes to the post-rock feel. Again, this is not easy listening by any stretch and does require a little patience, as everything develops at its own restrained rate. The epic "Folia" is the monster track here ticking in over 19 minutes and stamping this musical passport with approved entry into the prog big leagues. Acoustic guitar and synth noise coalesce in the early phases, slowly ratcheting up the angst with added oomph and bravado. Bassman gurgles set the new course playfully, twirling synths effervescing and the diabolical piano tickling the devout spine being the master attributes of this aural design. Talk about a frenetic trip into celestial expanses! Nothing like a little Hammond organ to spook the senses as well as some sliding guitar leads. The outro finale is pure chaos and explosion. The finale "Eclissi pt 2" confirms their ticket to future auditions and the occasional experimental voyage into diverse universes. A simple drum beat that holds no apparent mercy finds itself coupled with that darn swirly synth, morphing into a dreamy hodge-podge of sound and reflection, hints of oriental spice in the air. The mood is haunting and ethereal.

Most adventurous proglovers will enjoy this, some of the more impatient ones will avoid this band of moody Italians, which is a shame. It's all about discovery

Their next one will define their legacy once and for all and I am in wait. A definite 4 mirrored maze.