IL BACIO DELLA MEDUSA

Heavier rock-based music similar to the approaches taken by the great rock-oriented acts of the 1970s RPI, such as, Biglietto Per L'Inferno, Quella Vecchia Locanda, Panna Fredda, Osanna, and even Museo Rosenbach.

1. "Requiem Per I Condannati A Morte" (Incl. "Sogno Post Mortem: Fine D'Un Inverno") (8:55) A classic rock classic. The highlight for me are the harmony vocals. Well recorded and produced. (17.25/20)

2. "OrienteOccidente" (5:24) opens like an AREA song before turning classic blues rock like the early 1970s. (8.5/10)

3. "Scorticamento Di Marsia (I,II,III,IV)" (14:54) a little more delicate blues rock using flute and acoustic guitars for the opening section. At times bluesy, at times hard rockin', at others jazzy-rock, this suite/epic is worthy. (26/30)

4. "Il Vino (Breve Delirio Del Vino)" (6:50) definitely an folk-infused Italian drinking song. With the presence of the accordion, syncopated rhythm, and call-and-response type of party vocals, there is quite a little LES NEGRESSES VERTES feel to this song. I really like the passion and pride coming through in this song. (13.75/15)

5. "Cantico Del Poeta Errante (I,II,III)" (8:23) another flute and acoustic guitar opening. The rest of the band joins in for the second verse in a kind of JTULL way. Once vocalist Simone Cecchini enters, he gives the song that same colloquial feel as the previous song. The second section is noted for its raucous multi-voice vocals despite the bands choice to remain mostly acoustic and slower in pace. The third section is defined by the presence of two fiery electric guitars. A cool Italian song that grows on you with repeated listens. (17.75/20)

6. "De Luxuria, Et De Ludo Et De Taberna (I,II)" (12:02) slow, plodding heaviness with great drumming and potential drama in the guitar play turns up a couple gears in the second minute to race across the landscape. Again, the classic instrumental jams of the early 1970s come to mind. But then vocals enter: two: one in the right channel alternated with another in the left, talking to one another. Great percussion! The shift in the third minute gives the song an even stronger South American feel to it--like something by LOS JAIVAS. Organ takes over above the fiery drums and percussion for the second half--that and the incidental operatic "lo-lo-lo-lo" male vocals. Then, just when you think it's ending, it turns into something altogether different: more soloing from the bass, drums, and percussionist. (21/25)

Total time 56:28

While I respect the retro-rock sound the band aspires to, it is the more colloquially-infused Italian traditional music that attracts me to their sound. More of this, less of the classic early 1970s rock sound, please.

B-/3.75 stars; a nice addition of Italian-infused retro-"1979s classic rock" to any rock lover's music collection.