GREEN GRAPES

Unsatisfied with the Fonit's production on ''Scolopendra'' Gli Alluminogeni split up after the release of the album with Patrizio Alluminio recording a single in 1975, which was actually a leftover from the ''Scolopendra'' recordings.Many years later the original trio returned recording two albums for the Vinyl Magic label, ''Geni Mutanti'' (1993) and ''Green Grapes'' (1994).

Of the two release ''Green grapes'' seems the one to fit better with the group's legendary past.It contains 13 old and new recordings of smooth Prog/Psychedelic Rock with also plenty of Melodic Rock tracks.Not every track in here sounds inspired with the old recordings sounding close to the style presented in ''Scolopendra'', while the new ones are closer to the likes of modern Italian Rock.The standard organ-driven Psychedelic Rock pieces of the album are decent with a dramatic atmosphere, good vocals and a nice rhythm section, a couple of them are even great as the opening ''Lauda Dell Amore Mistico'' or the instrumental ''1969'', with the instrumental parts shining, led by Alluminio's massive Hammond organ waves.The new recordings though are far from the beautiful style established by the band in early-70's.They appear close to cliche melodic Italian Rock, far from the word progressive, based on easy tunes, plastic synths, catchy refrains, soft pianos and accesible rhythms, but some of them even sound pretty dull compared to the vintage-sounding tracks of the release.

At this point the story of this legendary Italian trio comes to an end.It is strongly recommended to stick with the band's fantastic debut, but if you are among those collecting everything related to Italian Prog, ''Green Grapes'' has still some good moments to offer...2,5 stars.