IO UOMO

An Italian band from the area of Brianza in Lombardia, having its roots in the early-70's group Gli Aspidi.The original members were singer Emilio Mondelli, bassist Tino Fontanella, guitarist Franco Cassina and keyboardist Maurizio Vergani and the group was renamed in 1972, after drummer Glauco was replaced by Antonio Sartori.Ricordi d'Infanzia only produced a record for Fonit Cetra, released in 1973 with the title ''Io uomo''.

After a couple of short but very atmospheric opening narrations, Ricordi d'Infanzia deliver series of condesned but quite adventurous Heavy Rockin' tunes, basically driven by the hard guitars of Cassina, but also containing some good keyboard and piano themes by Vergani.While not very original musically, the group is also fronted by a gifted singer with a balanced voice.The overall instrumental style has strong links with MUSEO ROSENBACH's more pounding grooves with a bit of melodic Italian Prog in the vocal moments.The combination works quite nice for the most of the album's length, mixing the heavier side of rock music with the romantic melodic-styled Italian color.There are also some very good Hammond organ parts with a sinister sound akin to GLI ALLUMINOGENI, while the brief compositions sound very dense full of changing moods.

The album's release was followed by a pair of line-up changes with Gianni Bari (sax) and Ugo Biondi (keyboards) replacing Cassina and Vergani, propably followed also by a change of musical style.The group played until 1976, when Ricordi d'Infanzia disbanded for good.

Nice pearl of organ/guitar-led Italian Heavy Prog.Not a prize winner in terms of originality or composing level, but a fine listening from the start to the end.Recommended.