IL BIANCO REGNO DI DOOAH

Another half decade had to pass before Consorzio Acqua Potabile returned with a third studio album.Propably a reason for this fact was the demise of their supporting label Kaliphonia.In the meantime the group was part of the excellent Progday compilation album ''ProgDay Encore?'', released in 2001.Through this time the line-up remained just about the same compared to ''Robin delle stelle'', only keyboardist Fabrizio Sellone left and was replaced by female flute player Silvia Carpo.2003 sees finally the band self-releasing the long-awaited album ''Il bianco regno di Dooah'', based on a concept story about a fantastic kingdom in the small Irish village Dooah.Keyboardist Maurizio Venegoni wrote the concept back in the 70's during a travel to Milan university, when the city was blown by a terrible snow storm.

Maybe the concept has a strong reference to Irish grounds, but the music of C.A.P. has nothing to do with the Irish culture, it is still strongly rooted in the Classic Italian Prog of the 70's with PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI as the influential guide, followed by notable BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO vibes in the more Classical-inspired parts.The atmosphere is again split between romantic and dramatic moments, obviously driven by the respective instrumental parts.The first ones are mostly based on sensitive vocals, smooth symphonic textures, light organ waves and more melodic guitar and flute solos.The later show the band in full collaboration.Tons of interplays between the two keyboardists, including long synthesizer runs, dominant organs and dark piano lines, and more effective guitar moves.The same occurs with the musicianship, which is filled with changing moods.From mellow symphonic parts to rich textures, the rapid changes are always in the band's menu.Structurally ''Il bianco regno di Dooah'' moves a bit away from the previous release of the group.It contains nine short- to mid-length tracks, but the suprise comes in the end with the grand, 22-min. epic ''Il Regno'', which epitomizes the Classic Italian Prog style of the 70's with no fillers at all, just smooth and elaborate Italian Symphonic Rock, very consistent and well-played.

From this point and on Consorzio Acqua Potabile only appeared in the various concept albums, for which Musea Records is responsible, and a fourth studio album is still desired.

Definitely one of the most consistent groups of Italian Prog.''Il bianco regno di Dooah'' is another great example of Italian Symphonic Rock by this underrated group, not very original of course, but solid and well-executed.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.