IL MANISCALCO MALDESTRO

Il Maniscalco Maldestro's self titled debut album has less of a punk feel than their later album. It also has somewhat less prog. But it's a more listenable album. There seems to be more of a musical flow in the mayhem. But at the same time, the over the top theatrics of the entire group in every song makes me feel like I'm listening to an Italian version of The Muppets' band.

There are hints of the Captain Beefheart/Tom Waits style angular arrangements that permeate the second album, but here they are a bit more subdued. And Distanze actually sounds like a true prog composition. It's quite nice.

This band isn't for everyone, but if you want a tast of what they are about, start here.