PASSPARTÙ

Whatever the musical politics involved (late 70s prog death etc) PFM have a very good album here. Of course if you are looking for multi-sectioned epics or any on track longer than five minutes, look away now. Possibly this is a departure from the expected PFM. I would have thought progressive fans may appreciate a positive departure rather than say, a recycling of old values. One can always listen to the earlier albums if that is the style preferred and not slate something for what it is not.

I regret to say I cannot understand the Italian language much, so the lyrical content is lost on me. I do find the illustrations to be political and disturbing - given the 1970s era of terrorism I wonder what is being expressed here. I have attempted to find out but no result.

There is a certain symphonic feel on some tracks Svita La Vita and a very nice title track instrumental. Yes, it is a very Latin flavoured album. The band is Latin so that should not be too much of a surprise. As many of their contemporaries adopted a jazz / fusion or more AOR approach this album is a little of both.

But the music is quite exquisite. It is a sunny album, the mood is warm and positive. So no great musical drama here, but in it's own Latin / jazz inflected approach this is perfect summer sunshine soundtrack with some very deft instrumental work lifting this above similar approaches.

Ratings. Well this is a prog rock site so symphonic prog rock has to be a certain way yes? And PFM are supposed to be a symphonic progressive rock band. PFM should never progress (change) - should they? I find it sad that progressive listeners can be as determined that formula should be adhered to as grimly and unimaginatively as a Def Leppard audience. Frankly by moving on PFM do not devalue their earlier work for which they are famous.

If you are of the mind that PFM should be just Italian symphonic prog and nothing else then this would have to get three and a half stars.

Taking this album at face value as I do (lyrical content notwithstanding) then it is a fine four stars. There is no great direction, theme, climax here so not a classic album, not five stars but it is very consistent, enjoyable and a good friend.

Cheers PFM!