LIMITI ALL'EGUAGLIANZA DELLA PARTE CON IL TUTTO

4.5 stars. HOMUNCULUS RES are an Italian band who have created a Canterbury album which was greatly influenced by fellow Italians PICCHIO DAL POZZO. We get 18 tracks over the 48 minutes of running time. This is light and melodic and it's sure to put a smile on your face. There are some crazy long song titles including the title of the album which again is almost a tradition when we're talking about Canterbury music. It's cool to see Ske(YUGEN etc.) helping out as a guest on several keyboard related instruments.

"Culturismo Ballo Organizzare" is by far the longest track at just under 6 minutes. It reminds me early on of ANTIQUE SEEKING NUNS and the vocals arrive quickly. Catchy stuff. Lots of piano and drums on this one including some intricate guitar before 2 minutes. "Delta U" is light and catchy with laid back vocals. The tempo really picks up after a minute which is a cool section. "DJ Psicosi" is a feel good tune with vocals. It's fairly uptempo at times as the tempo shifts gears throughout. The keyboards and drums lead the way and we get some trumpet as well after 2 minutes which is a welcomed new element.

"Preparazione Bomba H" is a top four and actually my favourite song on here. Water sounds and wind to start as the piano joins in. This has vocal melodies and a catchy sound. Can a song possibly make me feel any better than this one does? "Sintagma" is a short electronic sounding piece. "Jessicalaura" opens with relaxed piano as bass, drums and guitar join in followed by vocals and backing vocals. This sounds more like an RPI tune and it's gorgeous. Some flute here as well. "(Che Ne Sai Tu Di Un)Cerchio Nel Grano" is a top four for me. We get beautiful vocal sounds, flute and a beat. I like when it picks up, it reminds me of SOFT MACHINE for some reason with the fuzz. This song transports me.

"Rifondazione Unghie" is drum and flute driven as other sounds join in. A catchy uptempo tune that sounds so good when the synths lead after 2 1/2 minutes to the end. "La Ballata Dell'amore Stocastico" is led by piano and reserved vocals. It's laid back early on but it does turn fuller as contrasts continue. "Chi Phi" is another excellent tune led by vocals, piano, drums and synths. "Nabucco Chiappe D'oro" is another top four song for me. Man this sounds amazing and I love the piano and intricate sounds. Also we get mellotron before 1 1/2 minutes. Nice. "Il Papa Buono" is uptempo with pulsating organ and drums standing out. A spacey calm arrives before a minute with mellotron, synths and more, then it kicks back in after 1 1/2 minutes. "Accidenti" is a very short 23 second tune that honours the Canterbury greats.

"Centoquarantaduemilazttocentocinquantasette" is actually the title of this track, is it even a word? Piano and drums lead the way as the music starts and stops which i'm not a fan of. It then starts to flow beautifully after that though. "Profiterol" is led by percussion early on as the guitar and more join in. This is so uplifting. Synths also arrive and lead. "Estate 216 Solstz" features vocal melodies and breezy instrumental work. Another feel good tune. "Puk 10" is my final top four. This is all about the mellotron and buzzing synths. "Il Contrario Di Tutto" ends the album and we get reserved vocals and a mellow sound.

I'm such a sucker for that Canterbury sound and these Italians certainly have impressed me big time with their own special take on that beloved sub-genre. A must for Canterbury fans.