FRAMMENTI

There are several bands called Mirage in the ProgArchives database. This review concerns the Italian symphonic band of this name that in 1994, and in the best traditions of fellow Italian predecessors from the seventies, released just the one album before disbanding. One of the band's keyboards players (two keyboardists and two percussionists feature here), Guiseppe Iamperi, has subsequently worked on a number of projects under the name of ''Mistheria'', including guest appearances on albums by Bruce Dickinson and Swedish power metal band Winterlong. Information on what became of the other members of Mirage is at best sketchy.

The music on ''Frammenti'' has shades of UK prog giants like Genesis and Jethro Tull, and of countrymen Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso. In fact, there's a dedication to Banco in the album's sleeve notes and guitarist Rodolfo Maltese even makes a guest appearance on ''Il Suono Del Tempo''. There also seems to be a bit of a Spanish influence here and there on the album, like the acoustic guitar work on ''Il Giardino Del Re Giullare''. Overall though, Mirage sound like their RPI contemporaries Malibran, especially on opening track ''Madre Dei Pensieri''. Like Malibran, these guys rely quite heavily on flute, and fans of the instrument are well catered for here thanks to Walter Cimoroni. He's also the lead vocalist and sounds a little like PFM's Bernardo Lanzetti, though his voice isn't nearly as gruff.

''Frammenti'' is a thoroughly decent album, fairly light and melodic, although I realise that comment will put many readers off. It also seems to be quite an obscure album given that this is only its second review here. I guess it will appeal mainly to RPI fans that have already delved deeply into the subgenre, so it's likely to remain quite obscure. A very solid 3-star album nonetheless.