COLLAGE

I noticed that this is my #200 review for Prog Archives. I started my work for this site early 2004 and my first aim was to write about lesser know gems like Bacamarte, Outer Limits and Versailles, to make reviews about Los Jaivas, Triana and Solaris and to mention the lavish keyboard progrock from the Early British Progressive Movement, the Japanese prog and the Italian progrock bands from the Seventies. As a dedication to the Italian prog this review is about Le Orme. After two psychedelic/Sixties inspired albums this third record was a true progrock gem. The 7 compositions features great Hammond organ play (Keith Emerson, early Jane and Ramses), very distinctive and warm vocals (with a melancholical undertone), some acoustic guitar and a dynamic rhythm-section. A very good element in the music from Le Orme is the tension between the mellow and bombastic climates. And Le Orme delivers a lot of musical surprises like a kind of Blackmore/Gillan-Page/Plant duel from the bass and Hammond organ in "Cemiento armato", wonderful Hammond organ work (from psychedelic to church organ) in "Evasione totale" and exciting interplay between organ and drums in "Era inverno". This album is not as refined like "Felona e sorona", "Uomo di pezza" or "Contapuntti" but it is very worth listening. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!