FORSE LE LUCCIOLE NON SI AMANO PIÙ

I don't know why I never noticed this WONDERFUL Italian symphonic progressive album in the 80's, even in the 90's: what a miss I must admit! Actually, this record must be considered at the same level as the really best progressive albums, like Selling England by the pound, Thick as a brick and Close to the edge. I believe this record is the BEST work of the Italian progressive subgenre. Completely sung in Italian, all the songs are never less than OUTSTANDING!! Seriously, this record belongs to the RARE ones in which EVERY MOMENT is INTERESTING: I cannot think about just one ordinary or boring minute! The tracks are EXTREMELY well balanced, the instruments are very well distributed all through the tracks, and, like Genesis, the instruments work together instead of going into different directions, trying to show off. Among the influences, let's mention PFM's "Photos of ghost": indeed, the numerous mellow flute parts and some floating keyboards bits clearly remind it. The singer can be considered a bit as an expressive & theatrical Italian version of Ian Anderson himself. The electric guitar is surprisingly omnipresent and rather rock, reminding a bit Jethro Tull circa Thick as a brick. One of the main strength is the VERY OMNIPRESENT, elaborated and melodic piano a la Tony Banks: that's why a comparison with Selling England by the pound is not exaggerated. The mini moog sounds very Italian, like the other famous progressive Italian bands of the 70's. There are some very pleasant harpsichord parts, giving a bit the Baroque style to the ensemble. Sometimes the tracks contain delicate acoustic guitars, giving a folkier touch to the song. Surprisingly, the good Hammond organ is rather discreet. The elaborated bass and the refined drums perfectly complete this true masterpiece. The best track is "Vendesi sagezza". especially the VERY complex and refined second part beginning just past 4:00: notice the fully interlocking bit full of clavinet a la Gentle Giant! IMPRESSIVE! The last track "New York" reminds me a bit the band Il Volo. This record should have been named: "Never a dull moment!"

EXTREMELY RECOMMENDED!