STORIA DI UN MINUTO

One of my favourite albums of Italian progressive rock and I might add: one of my favourite albums ever. The spirit of early King Crimson and McDonald/Giles clearly hovers over this beautiful "Storia Di Un Minuto", but P.F.M. have so much more to express in their music. The mix of experimental progressive rock with Italian folk elements works out perfectly. The Italian vocals contribute largely to the atmosphere of the album. Songs like "Impressioni Di Settembre" and "Dove... Quando..." sound so very Italian, but at the same time so universal, that it's hard not to love them right away. Right on their first album P.F.M. prove their instrumental skills on the highest level. Violinist/flutist Mauro Pagani and guitarist Franco Mussida are true masters on their instruments, while the Moog driven keyboardparts of Flavio Premoli contribute largely to the unique sound of the band. The vocals, here still mostly performed by Franco Mussida are of excellent quality. The more experimental side of the band is shown mainly in "La Carrozza di Hans" and in "Grazie Davvero". The arrangements and the playing level in these songs show the quality of a new super group right away. "Storia Di Un Minuto" is a milestone in Italian progressive rock. The soundquality of the album surpasses most competeting albums. It's an album that should be in every progrock lover's collection and therefore five stars are the only right reward !

Erik de Beer.