IL PASSO DEL SOLDATO

Nuova Era's Il Passo Del Soldato is one of the most beloved RPI titles outside the early 70's peak and it's got everything that RPI fans will be enchanted about. But after being astounded by discovering one Italian gem after the other in the last half year, I've felt somewhat disappointed with this release.

Nuova Era play a heavily ELP influenced type of symphonic rock. Plenty of crunchy Hammond organs and vintage synths complement the solid rhythm section. The sound of the album is entirely pleasing and successful. This could easily pass for a 1975 release. No complaints about the musicianship and compositions neither. The sound is bombastic of course, but it's the sort of bombast we like. The musicians don't show off unnecessarily and every instrumental bit is functional and contributes to the songs. The title track is a fine example and together with track 2, it forms the highlight of the album.

If anything must be brought up it is that the album fails to surprise me. I had expected to be knocked off my feet again, but I never had that sensation with this one. Somehow it doesn't sparkle with the creative imagination of a real RPI masterpiece, the sympho stylings userd are quite cliché and the vocal lines are a bit too poppy. Even from the first time I heard it, it sounded like an album I've known for 20 years. You could probably say the band plays their type of prog a bit too safe.

I admit I have to be in the mood for this one but when I am it sure strikes me as a decent release that is certainly recommended to symphonic fans and RPI beginners.