LILITH

CONTRAPPUNTO's sound is based on keyboards (specially piano) and a female voice potentially very good, but not really expressive. Rythmically, music isn't very complex, going from jazzy tunes to classical approaches, including some soft blues soundscapes.

The album isn't bad, with nice atmospheres and relaxing moments, but there's a lack of melodic line and playing isn't the best: i.e., keyboardist seems to sail between Rick Wakeman and Richard Clayderman beside the above mentioned singing style.

Among contemporary Italian bands, CONTRAPPUNTO isn't the winner, but worth a listen and -if you don't looking for the most elaborated music- "Lilith" has enjoyable moments.

This album has everything a good progressive rock album, bordering to a rock album should have. Decent vocals, decent melodies, decent musicianship and a decent packaging.

The music is somewhere between Neo-Prog and AOR. Add some jazz elements and you get the zest of this album. There are some good guitar solos here. But most of the music is underpinned by the female vocals and the use of piano and keyboards. Even some hammond organs is included here. But this is not RPI as we knows it. The sound is much more leaning towards today's Marillion. But most of all; towards AOR. I have problems finding any progressive rock elements here. The vocals too is a bit flat and uninspiring. The quality of the tracks are rather good.

My main problem is that there is nothing here that either offend me or amuse me. Everything is good here......... and just that. This album is a flat and featureless as the prairie in the USA. In other words; this album gives me some pleasure, but does not satisfy me. The guitar solos brings this album up to a three stars............. barely.

3 stars