ODYSSÉAS

Now I am returning to the Italian world where I have encountered the band "Syndone" which has recorded five records from 1992 to 2014. This year came the fifth album "Odysséas" which, when I watch the five covers rapidly, has the most artistic look. It feels both old and fantastic and I especially like the bright colours. The three msuicians that make up the band are Nik Comoglio (keyboards, orchestrations), Riccardo Ruggeri(vocals) and Francesco Pinetti(vibraphone) and four guests are present too: Federico Marchesano, Marco Minnemann, Sara Marisa Chessa and John Hackett.

The record is so varied that I can't like everything. Some tracks are similar to a lot of other Italian prog happenings and others are more special. The variety could be a challange that lifts up the album when I return to it in the future, but these tow first listenings didn't make it so coherent I should have wanted it.

My favourite songs here are "La grande bouffe"(8/10) a funny and powerful song, "Invocazione alla musa"(8/10), "Daimones" a mighty ending(8/10), and a shorter song: "Poseidon"(8/10) and "Penelope"(8/10). In its best moments this music is very poetic and unique. The band isn't scared to be calm to let the lyrical vocals shine. I would say this is a good record that should be checked if you like the subgenre, but I don't think the interest is so very big for prog listeners in common. I will give the record three stars(my average song reting should be 3.46) but please make your own judgement. Best song: "La Grande Bouffe"