SURRENDER

Zenit spent the next few years on stage, playing live in several festivals, even if original guitarist Francesco Di Sessa left the band in 2003.He was replaced by Luigi Biamino.By mid-00's the time for a new album had come.Entering the Kotah Recording Studio in Tegna, Zenit created their sophomore effort ''Surrender'', released in 2006 on Shakary leader Paolo Scandella's SHK label.

This is propably the most GENESIS-sounding effort by the tightly connected trio of the related Shakary/Zenit/Clepsydra core.You shouldn't exactly forget about the Fusion touches and more intricate moments of Zenit's debut, but the new album is strongly rooted in the Neo Prog category with nostalgic MARILLION and even CLEPSYDRA influences, based on elaborate melodies, quirky instrumental parts and plenty of grandiose, semi-symphonic showering, as additionally all vocals are delivered in English.Especially the long tracks (three out the ten tracks are longer than 10 minutes) have a nice retro-feeding aura, despite the overly fresh approach of the group, with a kind of theatrical singing by Sonognini and different variations, connecting melodious textures with keyboard-based acrobatics.Synthesizers with vibes from organ and Mellotron is propably a good reason to link Zenit's sound with the 70's.The shorter pieces are more groovy and less intricate as expected, but far from boring or uninspired.Performed with energy and passion, these showcase Zenit's love for a more straightforward and catchy Neo Prog, where synth flashes and memorable lines are the basic elements.A couple of tracks contain echoes from sax, cello and flutes, still the sound remains quite GENESIS-influenced with impressive songwriting and well-executed instrumental parts.

While ''Pravritti'' was a more original work, the vintage Neo Prog style presented on ''Surrender'' is definitely what fits better to Zenit.Well-played, very enjoyable album with great arrangements and striking themes.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.