ALBERGO INTERGALATTICO SPAZIALE

This debut, self-titled album is the only release from Albergo Intergalattico Spaziale, which is upsetting, because this is some seriously great enigmatic progressive electronic. This album is unique in that vocals are featured on most of the tracks, and they're done wonderfully. Of course, the Italian language is well suited for musical use, and that shines on this album. On some tracks, the vocals carry the real melody while avant-garde electronic experiments fill the background. Besides the vocals, these tracks all vary quite a bit; you've got avant-garde-electro sound barrages ("Live Pistoia"), mellow ambience with experimental accents ("Phasing", "Senza Titolo", "Tastiera Solo", "Sabbie Vergini"), dramatically lush soundscapes ("Improvvisazione", "4 tracce"), "Bariazioni su 'angeli di solitudine" is a bizarre vocal solo, and "Hymalaya" is a pre-new-age pop track that would be well suited for slow- dancing. Out of all of the prog electronic artists and albums I've listened to, this album is definitely one of the most complete. If you can get a chance to, this an album to check out.

I have no internal qualms about calling this album an enigmatic masterpiece of the genre. Fans of electronic music and avant-garde music should take great notice of this album. It's sad that this is their only release.