FROST OF WATERMELON

Things got really bad for Court after ''Distances'', when the mastermind and guitarist of the band Andrea Costanza left due to the limited album's sales.He was replaced by Andrea Balliano and later multi-instrumentalist Marco Strobel, but the lack of motivation, live performances and record deal led Court to fall in hiatus in 2000.During this period though Paolo Lucchina, Mos' Nodari and Marco Strobel worked on colouring ancient tunes with different recording techniques.The enthusiasm returned in mid-00's with Court entering the Varano Borghi Studios and recording their third album ''Frost of Watermelon'', a private CD release.

Eventually the hard work for Court led them to a better result and ''Frost of Watermelon'' marked a new fresh beginning for the band.The style has not changed radically, this is a blend of Acoustic Rock/Folk with Heavy/Psychedelic Rock and Progressive Rock, but the compositions seems more conveincing, while the group deliveries series of tight playing with changing atmospheres and styles.Even the vocals are more satisfying next to this fine musicianship.The music of group relies much on the guitar work of Strobel and Nodari with the medieval acoustic tunes giving their place to strong grooves and interesting riffing.The bad experiences of the past were seemingly a good lesson for Court, there are finally some fantastic interplays in here with superb flutes at moments supporting the rockin' attitude, some guitar solos are trully inspired, while the overall atmosphere seems more complex and demanding than on the previous works, even comparable with GENTLE GIANT or JETHRO TULL at moments.The Folk elements remain the band's driving force but the solid rockin' arrangements supporting this influence are more than decent, however there is still some room for improvement.

Finally a quite good album by Court and they sure deserve a recommendation for their brand new and fresh great approach.Great work for fans of Progressive/Folk Rock and still a nice purchase for the rest of the prog audience.