TRIBUTE TO EDGAR ALLAN POE

Goad were formed in Florence in 1974 by brothers multi-instrumentalist Maurilio Rossi and guitarist Gianni Rossi at the time of Italian Prog Rock's golden period, but never had the luck to come up with a proper release as many groups of the era.They did however record the album "Creatures" in 1983, issued by Emmegi in 1985, but this was more or less their only known work until the 90's next to a couple of cover songs' efforts.Years later Maurilio would be the only Rossi member left in the line-up and by the end of the 80's he started working on material based on Edgar Allan Poe's writings.His main collaborator around the time was drummer Giancarlo Gaglioti and in early-90's Maurilio managed to record the work ''Tribute to Edgar Allan Poe'' with the help of some guest musicians.The album was released privately in 1994.

Sung in English, this is a sufficient work of mellow Progressive Rock close to the standards of EZRA WINSTON and ERIS PLUVIA with a good instrumental depth and interesting vocals with a few pale parts but also lots of very good material, drawing influences from Classic Prog, Neo Prog and smooth 60's Psychedelic Rock, somewhat hold down by its indifferent production.The more psychedelic passages are characterized by the inventive use of drums, the English vocals and the clever use of harmonica and acoustic guitars, but they are never left to lead the music.Rossi and company always surround this kind of music with atmospheric synthesizers and soft organ washes, close to the lines of 90's Italian Prog groups, while the electric solos are pretty great with a notable resemblance to compatriots MOONGARDEN.This way Goad try to combine colors from a dated period of Rock Music with a more modern aura and the result is quite satisfying.The musis is not complex and remains always at a downtempo mood yet it always reveals a mysterious inner power, created by its hypnotic textures, the changes between different time period influences and the good mix of vintage and modern instruments.A few tracks remain at a lower level with a questionable sound regarding their style (Acoustic Folk or Blues-based tunes), making the whole effort a bit incohesive.But the beautiful melodies, the diverse musical pallettes and the nice musicianship are mostly convincing and rewarding.

Listen by listen I tended to think that Goad's 90's return suffers more from its average production than the music contained.Still this is well-crafted album of 90's Prog with a nostalgic feeling, recommended to fans of multi-inspired Prog works with a definite 90's sound.