IL GIUSTO EQUILIBRIO

4½ stars really! Here's another discovery from the Black Widow Records' catalogue, the second album of an RPI group from Genova. I don't like the cover art at all, but that's the only bad thing on the whole album. For the very first minute when I listened to it, I felt a bit prejudiced: the familiar intensity in playing, and a totally uncultivated vocalist who sings in a nearly shouting manner. These features are too often present in modern RPI. However, pretty soon the opening track progresses in a much more enjoyable direction, and the flute raises a happy smile on my face. Also the vocals turn out to be more nuanced than at the very beginning. The band's excellently produced sound is keyboard oriented and has a good dose of Neo Prog reminding clarity. Within a same song there may be a moment resembling the classic 70's bands (ELP, Genesis) and after that an emotionally loaded, melodic section in the style of Marillion and such.

Three of the five tracks are between 11 and 14 minutes in length, two being 4½ minutes; the highly progressive compositions are well crafted, and the balance between instrumentality and the appearance of vocals is perfect. For example 'Giusto equilibrio' (13:30) has, after the fast beginning, a gorgeous slow vocal section with Neo-ish synth orientation, followed by several tempo changes, a classically flavoured keyboard solo, reappearance of vocals, and finally a great, pretty much Marillion-like electric guitar solo. If there was also the flute absent on this track, nothing could be better.

'Oric' is a ballad-like song with less progression (except for the Genesis-reminding instrumental tail featuring flute), which only makes the whole more dynamic and varied. 'Fuga dal Lago' (11:27) is an instrumental with many turns. I really love it, with all the soloing for keys, flute and guitar, and the soft, Camel-like melodicism. The long final track starts slowly, building the expectations of epicness that are luxuriously filled. I'm really happy to find out that this album sounds better with each subsequent listening. If you're into melodic symph prog as well as Neo Prog, and have a friendly attitude towards several influences shining through, this is to you. I'm sure that Il Guesto Equilibrio will appear on my list of the year's best albums.

Back in 2019 I was on a real RPI binge, and late that summer I spent a week with this record. And while I appreciate the warm and melodic sound of this band, this album did not rise to the top with the many RPI albums that did that year. LOCANDA DELLE FATE is a band most will reference when it comes to this band's sound. Just not in their league in my opinion. And the cover art really disappoints. They formed in 2003 and have released two studio albums with this being the second release in 2017.

We get a five piece like on their 2013 debut, but we get a new drummer here. The vocalist adds flute and I wish there was more of it. The guitar and keyboards tend to lead the way on this under 50 minute album. Vocals are in Italian and well done, although they can get sappy at times like on the closer. Many will point out that they have a British vibe happening here in the GENESIS and Neo Prog realms. If pressed I'd say the opener is my favourite track on here, and it's the shortest song. Least favourite is "Oric" which is a lame ballad with the cringe-worthy vocals to match.

If you are into the Symphonic style of RPI then you really need to give this album a shot. I clearly am in the minority with my rating here. Both of their albums have been self released.