TEMPI DISPARI

In 1974 another album credited to New Trolls Atomic System was released on De Scalzi's Magma label.The front cover of course never had the ''Atomic System'' moniker, but the line-up was the same with the previous work of New Trolls Atomic System.The album consists of two sidelong tracks, both recorded live at the Teatro Alcione in Genova.

The opening piece is a huge but propably negative surprise for all New Trolls fans.While in the first album some jazzy elements were already presented, the so-called ''7/4 (Settequarti)'' is actually a long Jazz-Rock improvisation with few structured parts, completely unoriginal yet totally new for these Italians, with endless sax solos by Giorgio Baiocco and constant jazzy hooks by Vittorio De Scalzi.There are little connections between the numerous solos and the tracks ends up to be a long and loose performance by the group, nicely executed but with limited to zero interesting passages.The second track, entitled ''13/8 (Trediciottavi)'', has more in common with the old New Trolls sound, although the smooth jazzy guitar solo at the beginning gives the impression of another totally improvised experience.Certainly the music has again a very loose feeling as a whole, but the approach here is multiple and more interesting with an overall richer sound.De Scalzi & co. blend jamming Hard Rock with Jazz-Rock with also references to Space Jazz and Classical Music.Lots of sax interventions, heavy organ solos, fiery electric piano and crunchy electric guitars result to a nice piece of instrumental music with quite a few great ideas, especially when the pounding rhythm section accompanies Baiocco's spacier sax parts.

The biggest suprise of all though came with the reformation of the old New Trolls after this album with Nico Di Palo demising Ibis and rejoining De Scalzi for a fresh new start.After the story of New Trolls Atomic System ended, keyboardist Renato Rosset joined Nova and drummer Tullio De Piscopo had a succesful career as a session musician, even putting up a few personal albums.

''Tempi dispari'' will find place in any serious Jazz-Rock/Prog collection, especially for the very interesting second track, but do not expect something close to the classic New Trolls sound.Recommended.