MOMO

Born in 1967 in Milan, Alessandro Farinella was an original member and keyboardist of Brainstorm in 1987, who changed their name to Theatre at the fall of the 80's.He left the group before the release of its sole album ''No More Rhymes But Mr. Brainstorm'', focused in his studies in Jazz, but completely abandoned music after taking his deegree in Philosophy in 1998.In mid-00's he returned with ex-Tale Cue's guitarist Silvio Masanotti for a live acoustic version of Genesis' ''The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway'' and soon after composed music for his first solo album ''Momo'', eventually released on BTF in 2007.He receives help also by ex-Premiata Forneria Marconi's drummer Roberto Gualdi and bassist Mauro Dell'Acqua, while a couple of guest singers appear in backing vocals.

''Momo'' is basically a song-oriented Art Rock effort, where Farinella shows his ability to combine interesting melodies, diverse instrumentation and sensitive, warm English vocals in atmospheric and melodic pieces.However there are also occasional washes from Neo Prog grounds, close to the likes of his former group THEATRE, as well as references to the Classic Prog era through the careful use of organ, mellotron and even harsichord.The main factor of the album though remains the melody and the expressive vocal work and Farinella does a nice job, offering a decent singing performance next to smooth guitar playing and the dominant presence of synthesizers.The music is easy-listening and quite memorable with plenty of well-crafted parts and harmonic lines.Still the man does not forget to present a more demanding side, like on the superb, all instrumental and very MARILLION/JADIS-like ''Roundabout'', featuring a perfect combination of electric guitars and keyboards, the sensitive ''Aletheia'' or the vintage-influenced eponymous track with the great combination of spacey guitars and flutes.Trully artistic approach, which at moments reminds of STEVE THORNE's solo works.

After many years Farinella tried to earn what he deserved as a member of Theatre, as he was the main composer of the group, despite not appearing on the 93' album of the group.Very good and melodic Progressive/Art Rock with a very sensitive side.Recommended.