IL BACIO DELLA MEDUSA

One of the recent products of the Perugia scene, Il bacio della medusa came together in the autumn of 2002 under the leadership of drummer Diego Petrini, bassist Federico Caprai and singer/guitarist Simone Cecchini.Many line-up changes would follow and a stable line-up would occur in 2003 with Eva Morelli on flutes and Simone Brozzetti on guitars.Over a year of preparation led to the band's self-titled and self-produced debut in 2004 with the participation of Angelo Petri on sax/accordion and Daniele Rinchi on violins.

The words that describe generally Il bacio della medusa's debut are energy and passion with the band delivering in a very dynamic Hard/Psych Prog style with many retro influences from the classic period of Italian Prog.The sound is based around the powerful guitar work of Brozzetti, featuring hard lead guitars and soulful soloing, and Cecchini's incredibly theatrical and sharp voice, perfect for the band's overall style, not unlike bands like IBIS or OSAGE TRIBE.These guitar-based crescendos are supported by a number of nice breaks with romantic acoustic passages and also the delicate flute interludes of Eva Morelli, as the sound reaches the legendary approach of PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI.The composition are full of guitar/flute interplays and shifting moods between soft acoustic textures and attacking guitar parts, showing a wide range in the decibel scale.''Il Vino'' shows even a great Mediterrenean-inspired attempt by the group to explore more traditional paths with accordion and acoustic guitars in evidence, a fantastic offering indeed.

A very good debut by a group with a bright future.Passionate Italian Prog, where straight-to-your-face rock music has plenty to offer among the proggier moments.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.