IL BACIO DELLA MEDUSA

A statement I don't make lightly. I love so many Italian prog bands but il Bacio della Medusa (BDM) is one of those special breezes that blows through your window on a summer night. Breaking it down to the most basic, BDM is a band whose performance is all passion, whose two albums are musical vibrancy, whose commitment to "total art" as they call it is unquestionable. Usually by the time I discover bands like this they have already broken up so this time I'm savoring the moment! I came to know BDM hearing their second album first, the flat-out masterpiece called "Discesa agl'Inferi d'un giovane amante." So knocked out was I with that album that I just assumed hearing their debut next would naturally be a letdown. I'm happy to report it was NOT a letdown! Not by a long shot. Here we have another conceptual feast of an album with a heavier rock approach. BDM pays homage to hard rock heroes of the 70s, both English and Italian, but never sacrifices their own substantial talents and artistic dreams with the mere regurgitation of said heroes. They are not a metal band. They are a kickass hard rock band (think Zep x Queen) with a strong Italian prog flavor, catapulted to perfection by their obvious abilities at not only songwriting (most compositions by Petrini and/or Cecchini), but crafting songs to have nice variations of light and heavy, electric and acoustic.and strong thematic celebrations with the spirit of Ange or Balletto di Bronzo. And why not? I believe from getting to know them a little that they feel very strongly that they have a special opportunity to be heard, so why be subtle or meek? BDM is not interested in just putting out polite/average albums over and over, they are here to make a splash-one listen to these two modern classics and you'll know exactly what I mean. Or as they put it themselves, the goal is to create a free music and spread their energy. Two albums in, the mission is on course!

The debut opens with a heavy slog of a classic bluesy rock riff, sounding like something early Zeppelin. The first several minutes of the album arrive at full throttle as if to announce "look the hell out, BDM is here folks!" They did not yet have Daniele Rinchi in the band and thus this album has a more hard rock edge to it-this album may appeal more to the hard rock fans, while the 2nd album more to the Italian prog fans who love more piano and violin play. Halfway through the first track Cecchini brings in the next color with his acoustic minstrel sound. The 2nd track is another full-out rocker that just kicks. It is in the third track, the 15 minute "Scorticamento di Marsia" where BDM really begins to expose the true depth of their sound. After an eerie beginning, in waltzes Ms. Morelli for the first time with her incredible flute. Eva always plays it just right, sometimes a beguiling mysterious melody that makes the moment by itself, other times a whirling dervish craziness that serves to broaden the appeal of the full band. Cecchini's vocals here practically get "out of body" in their boldness and theatrical passion, he competes with any of the revered '70s Italian prog singers. Then, just at the right moment, in steps Simone Brozzetti with another gorgeous lead on his Les Paul (finally..SOMEONE who understands that a Les kicks butt on any Fender sound.) Petrini and Caprai keep the bottom nailed firmly in place. You've been treated to a single track better than most bands produce in an entire album and still you've just finished side one. Side 2 is just as tasty. I don't really have the adjectives to do a full track by track with BDM.they need to be taken on the whole as an album. I would have a nervous breakdown trying to articulate my feelings ;) And yet with all they accomplish on this fine debut they will take it to the next level on their second album, improving all aspects of their presentation to perfection. Both albums feature impressive artwork done by the band's bassist Federico Caprai: what is very cool is that if you lay out the two gatefold cover paintings they in fact are actually connected into one larger visual. The entire spread of the two together is really fabulous and together provide a visual adaption of the band's musical themes. On the debut the booklet folds out into one large lyric sheet with yet another Caprai painting inside.

What more can I say? If you've read the great reviews and my interview with the band in the "Interview" section of this site and still haven't ordered one of their CDs, you are missing out on one hell of a ride. Recommended enthusiastically to all fans of hard rock and/or Italian progressive. If only all music were so authentic-this is a very, very fine red wine from the countryside of Perugia to your heart. Don't miss it. All we need now is the live DVD!

Share this IL BACIO DELLA MEDUSA review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Finnforest
• Report this review (#173242)
• Buy IL BACIO DELLA MEDUSA music online with PA partners
• Show all IL BACIO DELLA MEDUSA MP3/Stream
• Go to IL BACIO DELLA MEDUSA page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Il Bacio della Medusa page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for IL BACIO DELLA MEDUSA related discussions