PER UN VECCHIO PAZZO

Little-known group from Bologna, Italy, originally established in 1990 by keyboardist/singer Manuel Bedetti, guitarist Ruben Maria Soriquez and bassist Andrea Bondi.They were joined by drummer Roberto Alessi to form a stable quartet, which would lead them to their debut ''Per un vecchio pazzo'' in 1997.The album was released on Pick Up Records.

The band claimed to have been infuenced by the 70's movements of Progressive and Psychedelic Rock in the beginnings and their sound incorporates obvious influences from the era.Stranafonia sound a lot like a modern BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO minus the Classical inspirations, ARTI E MESTIERI or complex OSANNA, though their style is more quirky and groovy.The tracks are characterized by complicated time signatures, sudden changes as well as some melodic parts and have a very balanced sound between guitars and keyboards.Their sound is strongly led by the electric passages of Soriquez and the monster organ moves of Bedetti, though they seem to use the 70's only as a reference point, as their approach sounds quite modern.Vocals are in Italian with a dynamic and highly expressive color.Structurally the compositions are more than efficient with a very tight playing and an awesome rich sound with solos, grooves and complex instrumental themes constantly changing.

Adopting the Darwin theory of evolution and after a short undeground period, the group released a couple of more albums with a totally different sound, mixing Singer/Songwriter, Jazz and Piano Music stylings, obviously very far from their previous style.

''Per un vecchio pazzo'' has a certain place in the collection of every fan of Italian-spiced Progressive Rock, while its flexible sound makes it also a welcome addition ..3.5 stars.