FOGLI D'ACQUA SPARSI

In the 1970s, In most of the arts and in fashion, trends were speedily diffused and as just as expeditiously dispensed with, much like the adult phase of the appropriately named Ephemeroptera. Taking the RPI world as a microcosm of these phenomena, a few short years passed between LE ORME's luscious "Felona e Serona" and their pre punk "Verita Nascoste". Fast forward to the 1990s and Italy nurtured the blossoming of several bands dedicated to reviving that peak period sound, which some had lived through directly, others through their parents or some oddball fetish. COOPERATIVA DELLA LATTE was, judging from the photos and videos available online, from the former group, with a wistful debut "Il Risveglio" touching more than a few aging hearts partial to the gentler side of the genre.

Fast forward a quarter century and, while the band membership and the romantic piano based avenue remains cleared, if leafier and shadier, this might be their "Verita Nascoste", slightly more hard edged in parts and more accessible to those who may have never heard "The Musical Box", Lord help them. It's at its best early, peaking with "idrofilla", an upbeat almost folky number, and "Oltre l'uragano" ("Beyond the Hurricane"), more balladic but just as literary, abetted by Gabriele Benfatto's tender voice and Pierluigi Piccoli's keyboard base. "Altimo estremo" is heavier as these things go, with more rhythm guitar, spat vocals and ominous synths, but just as impactful.

From here, the impact diminishes, though only the chaotic "Fiume" really flops, even though one could argue it was worth the try. The remainder have their moments, particularly the bass atop the outro of "Tensione Superficiale", but it's clear the album was front loaded, and who could blame them? I'd rather have half a great album than wait another 20 years for a whole one, and "Fogli d'acqua sparsi" is not merely water under the bridge. Kudos and here's to a few more milk runs from these amiable characters.

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