AND YOU'LL FOLLOW THE WINDS' RUSH 'TILL THEIR BREATH DWELLS

COURT are an Italian band formed in 1990,which were offered a contract by Music Is Intelligence Label and so they recorded their first album ''And you'll follow the winds' rush till their breath dwells'' in 1993 in a Stuttgart-based studio.COURT try in their junior release to mix folk,medieval and ancient-like music with classic progressive rock.Electric and acoustic instrument change endlessly to create an obsure atmosphere,like a journey through time.The album is filled with medieval tunes,not unlike their compatriots ASGARD,but instead of the massive keyboard use,they prefer a heavier approach to progressive rock with parts coming like a cross between LED ZEPPELIN and KING CRIMSON...it sounds an inventive work,but things do not work very well actually...

Some acoustic parts are overlong and tend to be very boring,while their heavier groovy passages have a sound that reminds me more of grunge rock bands like NIRVANA or SOUNDGARDEN,which I personally dislike.Vocals are in English and are quite raw,so I don't think they'll be everyboady's cup of tea.In addition,the limited use of keyboards makes the whole effort very minimalistic and the compositions sound very ''dry''.So,this is really an album I find very mediocre and sometimes boring,but it could be an interesting release for those who search for something totally unique-sounding,but not that well-balanced...Can't give more than 2 stars.

Court is an Italian prog band from Milan formed in 1990 by five skilled young musicians: Paolo Lucchina (vocals), Mosè Nodari (guitars, oboe and recorders), Luigi Bonacina (bass), Andrea Costanza (guitar) and Francesco Vedani (drums, flute and recorders). Their debut album, "And You'll Follow The Winds' Rush 'till Their Breath Dwells", was recorded in Germany and released in 1993 by the indie label Music Is Intelligence. It features a very interesting and fresh blend of rock and classical influences... If you like bands like The Strawbs, Gryphon and Amazing Blondel I'm sure you'll enjoy this work!

The short instrumental opener "Rising The Tale" introduces to the long and complex epic "Alviss' Revenge" that tells a cruel story inspired by Nordic Sagas... "Flying from the south / Maidens came through the dark forest / Young Goddesses they were Valkyries / On the seashore they set to rest / Spinning precious flax...". Despite the English lyrics vocals seem at ease and the music easily flows for over fifteen minutes avoiding the kingdom of boredom...

"Lovers" is a beautiful and tragic prayer, a peculiar ballad with a dramatic "Romantic" feeling while the next track, the dreamy "Eckol" slightly reminds me of Gryphon and Angelo Branduardi... "I've fallen asleep dreaming of colours growing inside / I've fallen asleep dreaming of colours growing inside / Night! It's the time, I'll have my best / See you next sunset, Eckol my friend...".

The long and complex "Cries" is a beautiful "anti-war epic"... While music goes through many changes of rhythm and atmosphere lyrics describe the celebration for the return of a victorious army... But in the crowd someone can't stand it, a soldier who is speaking up against his mind: "There is no meaning, nonsense is war / We claim for us the rights of lands / As slaves we humble before a tyrant / And him we pray though he slew us / I lost my will in lies of king / I blinded my eyes and denied my dreams / I lost the chance to smile to dawn / To hope at dusk and fly by night...".

"Willow Tears" is an amazing instrumental for acoustic guitar, while "Mirth For A Guest" is another short and joyful piece that reminds of Gryphon... "The Song Of The Omniscient Dwarf" is a long ballad that every now and again reminds me of Amazing Blondel and that tells the story of a dwarf cheated by the God Odin and petrified by the sun... The instrumental "R." and "Fading The Tale" close this excellent work...

The whole album can be legally downloaded for free from the official website of the band... So, have a try!