CARPINETA

One of the most obscure Italian bands out there and another "one off" from that country released in 1978. I have a book that lists Italian bands and their albums and it's quite extensive but CARPINETA aren't in it. Named after a hill facing their town reminded me of a hidden hill in my town that I bet less than 1% of the people living here even know about. It's called Monument Hill. I've been up there numerous times as a teenager on a snowmobile and the view is spectacular. But it's deep in the woods here and 10 years ago I could not find it. So hills can be significant!

Man these guys recorded this album themselves in their rehearsal room in Florence. They weren't signed to a label so they self released it. One of the most interesting records I have for sure. A strong Avant vibe along with ethnic sounds, humour, Jazz, RPI and Folk. Vocals are in Italian so I don't know what he's constantly shouting about on the opener. This along with bells and percussions make this a strange opener, almost like they wanted you to stop right there and not go on(haha). They were a five piece with plenty of interesting sounds including accordion, bagpipes, soprano and tenor sax, clarinet, mandolin, guitar, bass, electric piano, keyboards, drums and vocals.

"Alternative" is ethnic sounding with beats then the guitar comes in changing the sound. A change before 2 1/2 minutes as we get a catchy sound with experimental sounds as vocals join in. Drums are great! "Espresso 696" is like three songs in one. Impressive! One of my favourites is "Lettera" and that melancholy with sax, picked guitar and vocals with character. Some tension here as bass joins in too. Some sparse piano and clashing cymbals as well. Check out the guitar starting before 3 minutes. Back to that earlier sound before 4 minutes with vocals. "Storie Di Cose Nostre" is Avant with shouting words and insane instrumental work. Love the distorted guitar here as drums pound. A nice contrast to this is the folky "Malcontento" with it's accordion, vocals, strummed guitar and beats. Such a catchy melody, very enjoyable.

A solid 4 stars but not for the faint of heart that's for sure.