THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY

This is a musical project from drummer Daniel Caputo and bass player Stefano Gabbani, both from the 'vintage-keyboards-drenched' Italian progrock trio STANDARTE. On this album they are joined by Gianni Vergelli on acoustic - and electric guitar, Gianluca Gerlini on keyboards (Hammond, Fender and Wurlitzer electric piano, Mellotron and clavinet) and additional musicians on saxophone, flute and vocal harmonies. The eleven tracks (including two covers, from Manfed Mann and Atomic Rooster) are very melodic and harmonic with many Hammond organ floods and some Floydian inspired guitar work. London Underground sound like a blend of The Sixties, rock, psychedelic. The music is often simple but very tasteful with a fine emotional undertone.

HAMMOND AFICIONADO'S ALERT!

I'd say "Through A Glass Darkly" is more consistant than their debut but it doesn't have the highs nor nearly the amount of mellotron that their first one had. Yes I prefer the debut. Once again we get a sound that is very late sixties Psyche-sounding.

"End Of The Race" builds until it kicks in with drums and organ leading the way. Vocals a minute in. It gets a little heavy after 3 minutes with guitar. "Travelling Lady" is a cover off of MANFRED MANN'S CHAPTER THREE debut from 1969. We get some organ then a beat that joins in with vocals in tow.Sax 3 1/2 minutes in and a minute later. "Sermonette" gets these reserved vocals around a minute with vocal melodies to follow. Guitar 3 minutes in. I like this one. "The Days Of Man" opens with vocals and it kicks in before a minute. It then settles as contrasts continue. "Analonihum" is laid back to start. Vocals around a minute followed by some FLOYD-like guitar. Piano and bass lead 3 1/2 minutes in then the guitar returns.

"A Beautiful Child" is a song I just can't get into. Mellow to begin with but it does get fuller. "Through A Glass Darkly" opens with the sounds of sea gulls as reserved vocals and piano arrive. This is also mellow.It ends as it began. Some guest flute on this one. "Cryptical Purple Brown Orcharde" is much better. It has a good beat with vocals as guitar and organ follow. "Can't Find The Reason" is a cover of an ATOMIC ROOSTER song from their "Nice 'N' Greasy" album. Laid back to open before it kicks in a contrasts continue. Nice guitar solo before 3 minutes. "Everything Is Coming To An End" is DEEP PURPLE-like with the heavy drums and organ. "Another Rude Awakening" is the only track with mellotron. A good closer with guitar and organ.

Barely 3 stars. I would highly recommend the drummers former band STANDARTE though.