FONDERIA

Rome-based quartet FONDERIA started the journey in music in mid-90's featuring Emanuele Bultrini (guitars), Stefano Vicarelli (piano, organ, synths), Federico Nespola (drums), and Luca Pietropaoli (trumpets).The band names Miles Davis, John Coltrane, King Crimson, Area and Brian Eno among their influences so you can think correctly about a costantly exploring sound.Additionallt the band composed soundtracks for short and silent movies in the meantime,winning awards at several festivals.In 2002 FONDERIA found themselves ready to record their self-titled debut,I think it was a private press (correct me if I am wrong),but the album was re-realeased on Italian BTF a couple of years later.

STYLE: Well,I'll start by saying that this a total chaos in terms of styles and moods...the band can play easily heavy guitar Crimson-esque prog,flirt a thousand times with Avant-Jazz and RIO,throw in a good dose of Ambient electronics and add some pleasant Funk moments as well.The good thing is that you can meet all these contents almost in every song and not as separate sections.Emanuele Bultrini uses often acoustic guitars blended with trumpets to give the album a touch of ethnic feeling,close to Balkan music.Notice that the album is totally instrumental and I really doubt if any vocals would be suitable in such an experimental release.The slow motives help the listener explore this musical journey with all his senses.

INFLUENCES/SOUNDS LIKE: I would only compare FONDERIA's style with Mexicans CABEZAS DE CERA.KING CRIMSON meet Avant-Jazz meet World music!

PLUS: Very high and professional level of musicianship played by a band which seems to have study every note in this album.Deep and sensational atmospheres throughout the album,rarely met in more ''typical'' prog releases.Excellent performance by Luca Pietropaoli on trumperts and double bass.An attractive introduction to Jazz and Ethnic music for a traditional rock fan.

MINUS: A few negative points only to mention,as the album has a good dose of changing moods but lacks ib changing tempos,following slow gears in general.Stefano Vicarelli makes a good job on electronics,synths and piano,but more traditional prog keys like the Hammond or minimoog are very hard to find,despite displayed on his using instruments.

WILL APPEAL TO: Fans of Jazz-Fusion,RIO and even Folk Rock/Ethnic Rock lovers.For those deep into Classic 70's Prog,if you like KING CRIMSON or VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR,then you propably need to give FONDERIA some spins.

CONCLUSION: ''Fonderia'' didn't shock me that much,despite its experimental sound,as I slightly prefer CABEZAS DE CERA of this particular style,finding them a bit more challenging.Nevertheless,I admire this ground-breaking experiumental music and the album belongs definitely to my favorites of the the year.3.5 stars for this very strong debut.