CLOWNS

Antonello Gabelli participated only in the recording sessions of ''Mr. E. Jones'' and Nuova Idea was again on search of a stable guitarist.So, in 1972 Ricky Belloni from the group Il Pacco joined them on vocals/guitars and a third album in the row was recorded at the Ariston Studios, released in 1973.

With the addition of Belloni Nuova Idea's sound shifted towards heavier and more Classic Prog orientations, as proposed in the groovy opening ''Clessidra'', full of incredible synth and organ runs and characterized by some great interplays and breaks.The long ''Un'Isola'' has very strong PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI vibes in the keyboard parts, again organs and synthesizers are in the forefront, while the good rhythmic parts are still apparent in a Heavy Rock piece, played with passion.Belloni with his high-pitched vocals make his appearance for the first time.''Il Giardino dei sogni'' has notable BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO touches, although in their softer version, and sounds completely plagiarized with no originality at all.The self-titled track, clocking at over 10 minutes, is somewhat split between Heavy Rock and Italian Symphonic Rock with pounding drums, GENESIS-influenced light organs, edgy electric guitars and emphatic synthesizers in a very grandiose style and contains evident Classical and jazzy influences at moments, constantly changing between different tempos and themes.The closing ''Una vita nuova'' is again in the style of ''Il Giardino dei sogni'' with light piano and atmospheric sythesizers and very melodramatic vocals, but this track sounds pretty unconvincing and flat as well.

Nuova Idea's career did not mean to last, with Siani being replaced by Flaviano Cuffari in summer 73', but shortly after the band demised.Belloni and Siani participated in the Track band and afterwards the first joined New Trolls.He was followed some years later by Giorgio Usai.Bassist Enrico Casagni released the solo album ''Qualcuno stanotte'' on EMI around 1977.

''Clowns'' is propably the album to get from Nuova Idea, if you love Classic Italian Prog.Despite being a bit incosistent, the longer tracks are nice examples of the style, dominated by a dynamic and multi-influenced Rock style.Recommended.