PAPILLON

This starts off with a powerful intro that reminds automatically the best stuff made by Emerson Lake & Palmer and Gentle Giant. And then, oddly, a curious story is introduced on a melody that reminds nursery rhymes from a old Walt Disney record. The Disney theme is introducing every track from 1-7. I'd say it's not a bad concept, but the kiddy theme could get on your nerves after seven reprises.

These guys are ripping off ELP with no shame, Tarkus appears to be the main influence. They radiate a good amount of energy but expect a different approach than Triumvirat or Le Orme. This is more romantic, theatrical and the songs are shorter. But the talent is there, no doubt about it. The emphasis is more on keys and guitar/bass, and less on drums unlike ELP's drum bashing. An orchestration can even be heard on some tracks, giving a sweeter, poppish sound and giving you the confirmation that these guys were aiming high in terms of studio work. Vivaldi's 4 seasons is even covered by the band, and the orchestral result is enjoyable.

After the puppet's story, we get many short numbers of relative jazzy creativity. And this is where I jump in: a jazz lover will find Latte E Miele interesting because of their mellotron/piano-bass-drum interplay. The grooves are nice and so is the piano work. While Keith Emerson is showing off like a teenager strutting out the gym, Lacagnina is aiming more on clever melodies. Good, we don't need another Emerson...

Jazz and classical amateurs shouldn't have a problem popping this in their cd player often. A great proof that an influence (ELP) can be mutated in something better.

This is what I call excellent, successful work.