PHOTOSYNTHESIS

"Photosynthesis" is the only release by the band SLOGANS, a group from Bassano del Grappa that formed in 1981 and recorded the album in 1983. The band centered around guitarist Roberto Gamo and keyboardist Ivano Tolio. The Mellow reissue of their album includes five "live in studio" tracks, including the song "Fotosintesi," which is not found on the original LP release.

SLOGANS had a lot going against them. They are at heart a 1970s RPI band recording in the non-prog-friendly 1980s. (It is debatable whether even the 1970s in Italy were prog-friendly, as evidenced by so many one shot bands that got no label support.) They worked in limited conditions, and the production reflects that. But the question is--do they pull it off? I think they do a very credible job (although not as well as their contemporaries HOPO)--in fact, the album is a very nice, melodic, heartfelt example of late stage RPI.

As mentioned, we'll look past the deficient production and skip to the music. The compositions sit squarely in late 1970s RPI territory, similar to SENSITIVA IMMAGINE or LA LOCANDA DELLE FATE, though not as memorable or accomplished as those bands. The complexity level is low to moderate (higher in my favorite songs "La Festa del Tiranno," "Con la Tua Musica," and "Old Family"). The adventurous factor is essentially nil. But the beautiful, melodic, pastoral elements are very strong. The musicianship is passable, though occasionally sloppy (see the keyboard solo in "With the Sun We Hide")--there are, however, some really nice moments of dialogue between keys and guitar, though, that more than make up for the occasional slips. There is even a strong Branduardi feel in "Aspetto il Giorno."

Overall, SLOGANS' only album is, along with HOPO, a nice entry into the tail end of 1970s RPI, which would essentially lie dormant until the emergence of NUOVA ERA in 1988--these guys were definitely swimming upstream! This is a good album, one to acquire especially if you're an RPI enthusiast/collector. If you don't get a chance, though, it's certainly not essential. (But if you're inclined, it's out of print, so hurry!) Three stars.

Share this SLOGANS review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Todd
• Report this review (#269439)
• Buy SLOGANS music online with PA partners
• Show all SLOGANS MP3/Stream
• Go to SLOGANS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Photosynthesis page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for SLOGANS related discussions