CAPOLINEA

From ''Klein & Wagner'' and on it was more than evident that Aton's were not anymore Pietro Ratto's main priority.Instead the frontman of the band focused on releasing his solo album ''Xenia'' in 1997 for Mellow Records, while the same year Aton's were among the participants of the '' Zarathustra's Revenge'' tribute album, their last contribution for the Mellow Records label.Unexpectedly five years later a new album by the band appeared on Musea, entitled ''Capolinea'', containg material recorded at Pietro Ratto's studio in different periods between 1997 and 2000.

The opening ''Introduzione Star'' gives hope for great album with a stunning church organ opening section with some powerful and lyrical Art Rock to follow with.The rest of the album though returns back to the romantic and classic Aton's sound with the light instrumental themes but also the sensational vocals of Ratto.Melodic and easy listening Progressive/Art Rock with emphasis on the beautiful voice of Ratto and the smooth guitar melodies.The tracks are rather commercial oriented, leaning heavily on the poetic lyrics, and the music is based on the decent guitar solos, the solid but accesible arrangements and the discreet keyboard and piano themes with the exception of some church organ of unique grandieur.Fortunately the material is memorable, pleasant and often deeply atmospheric, overcoming the lack of trully serious orchestrations, while the fantastic vocals won't leave any fan of Italian Prog indifferent.

After ''Capolinea'' Ratto seemed to totally abandon the Aton's music ship and released a couple more of personal works under his own name.The latest album of the band fits within the standars of melodic Progressive/Art Rock and , though far from extraordinary, it will please all fans of intense and lyrical Progressive Rock.

Apparently this is going to be the last album by this Italian prog band who have decided to call it a day after 25 years, which surely must make them one of the longest lasting prog bands around. All of the lyrics are in Italian, which means that this album will only have limited appeal which is a shame as this trio are creating quite a storm about something. The first number, "Star" begins life as an organ recital but it gives way to a bouncing rock number that contains some great finger popping on the bass, as well as some driving rock guitar that moves this band a million miles away from the normal neo-prog scene. They contain modern elements yet at the same time hearken back to a long lost age when bands were quite prepared to go their own way and not worry about what others within the genre were doing.

I think that is one reason why I have enjoyed this album, in that it is different from the norm and the listener is never quite sure what is going to happen next as it may be a peaceful acoustic guitar interlude or something much more powerful. Anton's are never going to be fashionable and the language barrier will turn off quite a few people which means that many people who would enjoy this album will not even try hearing it. It may not be essential but it is enjoyable.

Originally appeared in Feedback #70, Oct 02