ZEP TEPI

Formed in the year 2000 in the city of Sint-Niklaas in the Flanders region of Belgium, GHIRIBIZZI has proven to be one of the 21st century's more eclectic prog bands that exists in the neo-prog universe. This band started out as the trio of Frank Centauri (vocals, keyboards), former Quantum Fantay guitarist Dario Frodo and Yves Simmah (keyboards) before expanding its lineup and sound on its second release "Pan'ta Rhei" which is when the world began to take notice after touring with Poand's Quidam and RIverside. The band's name literally means "erratic" or "often changing" in Italian and that is exactly the type of music the band has delivered starting on its 2001 debut ZEP TEPI.

GHIRIBIZZI melds a bizarre mix of art rock, progressive pop and neo-prog along with moments of classical and other gernes. ZEP TEPI features 10 varying tracks that range from the standard rock leanings of the opening "Rock'N Roll" to the art rock infused compositions such as "Time" that follow. In addition the album features little snippets of various other genres such as the Mozart classical sounding "Interludium" and the goth-tinged "Cabaret." While on the neo-prog side of the equation, GHIRIBIZZI crafts a sound that mixes Fish-era Marillion with Arena, Jadis and IQ while on the art rock side of the fence there are moments that remind you of Queen, A.C.T., the Dutch art pop band Valensia as well as Kayak and even moments that evoke a tinge of Electric Light Orchestra especially when the band unleashes a retro rock and roll moment.

While musically fascinating with instantly addictive melodies that take you on a very wild unexpected ride through a large swatch of varying musical motifs and stylistic approaches tied together with a neo-prog thread, unfortunately ZEP TEPI comes off as a demo quality release with a lackluster production and a sorely missing bass player however the two keyboardists do their best to deliver the contrapuntal heft to compensate. Despite this and the very strong material presented on ZEP TEPI, the album feels a bit too sparse and required the extra members that would double the band's lineup count to six featured on "Pan'ta Rei." The album nurtures exquisite lush keyboard runs but also tender vocal harmonies and sometimes too sugary sweet for their own good melodic runs.

It's too bad this album gets virtually ignored and panned by critics and fans alike because there is enough quality material on ZEP TEPI to at least warrant an exploration. For those with production sensitive ears it may come as an aural assault but for those who can focus on the musical majesty displayed through the creative arty approach of this bizarre neo-prog fusion project can appreciate the vast array of influences that come and go throughout the album's 45 1/2 minute running time. Given that i really dig eclectically designed albums, i find ZEP TEPI to be a worthy album to sink my teeth in although admittedly it has serious flaws and could by no means be considered an essential art rock flavored neo-prog experience. GHIRBIZZI definitely lives up to its namesake on ZEP TEPI. Never heard anything like this one before! Recommended for intrepid explorers who don't mind a bit of production blues and oft saccharine ballad-AOR moments.