DODECAHEDRON

It's always a pleasure when you discover a new band you like, even more so when it's unexpected. Such a discovery for me is Daal, an Italian duo comprising of Alfio Costa on a wide range on mainly vintage keyboards and Davide Guidoni on drums and percussion. Dodecahedron is their fourth album which is divided into twelve tracks simply titled Dodecahedron parts I to XII.

The twelve compositions are all instrumental with the duo being joined by a diverse range of guest musician's contributing everything but the kitchen sink including guitar, bass, sax, flute clarinet, violin, cello and even bardic harp and bouzouki. I find the dark vibe of much of the music particularly appealing, the composition's covering a wide base from classical influences, symphonic prog, jazz, electronica with ambient touches. Daal make much use of light and shade which complement the more bombastic moments to great effect and create plenty of musical tension. Highlight for me has to be Part 1 for its brooding mellotron work but don't be mistaken into thinking it's all downhill from here as the album is best digested as a whole rather than picking tracks at random. The musicianship is strong throughout and the composition's well thought out and constructed to create a strong and cohesive whole with only the occasional lull where it loses its way just a little.

Overall Daal have produced a winner, likely to appeal to fans of fellow Italian's Hostsonaten despite its darker feel and even King Crimson lover's. Well worth checking out.