IO E IL TEMPO

Third and second last (to my knowledge anyway) album of this second generation of Italian prog bands, and maybe the first and most highly regarded of the second wave of prog. The fact that this quartet was borne out of the dreaded 80's is no hint as to its sound, even if there are some inherent technologies that couldn't be avoided, NE is more of a retro-prog band than a neo-prog band, and in some lengthy moments, you could believe that these guys were of Scandinavia's AnglaDotenBerk trilogy. Graced with a very "proggy" artwork both on the outside and inside of the gatefold, the album's concept (titled I And Time) consist of two "epics" (like the previous Dopo L'Infinito) which have definite charms that should not elude the more demanding progheads, even if by their third album, they are a little formulaic in their aesthetics.

Just two tracks (at least the third says it is a bonus), of which the 19-min title track can only enchant you, sounding like Genesis, Yes, full of vintage instruments (including good old organs) and full-dramatics. The 24-min Domani Io Vieccho (Tomorrow I Age/Grow Old) is a bit more of the same, and most progheads should be ravished. The Bonus eponymous track is mostly a non-harpsichord

But not everything is fine, as the band does present a few well-hidden weaknesses, like lack of real interplay and soloing each in turn. While displaying great talent and excellent potential, the band seems content in taking the easy way out (maybe by fear of over-stretching themselves) and not risking enough. As if being better than IQ and Pendragon was sufficient for them and taking early-Marillion as a calibration parameter. I dare say hiring a sax-flutist that could've played a bit of cello could've broken them big artistically.

Although this reviewer is usually not a fan of the mid-80's to early-90's symph prog, I must say that Nuova Era makes a rather pleasant exception to the Trane rule of thumb, but ultimately not entirely satisfying either. I feel that unfortunately they could've (should've) tried harder, but ultimately didn't dare enough. Easier said than done, though!! Not a four star, but recommended, this one or (but not and) its predecessor.

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