MEMORABILIA

One of the more prolific longstanding RPI groups, IL CASTELLO DI ATLANTE has just closed a 7 year recording drought, but in keeping with their "friends first" philosophy, the lineup is identical to that on ARX Atlantis, and, not to belabor the point, the first track translates as "Always a friend". While only a generous EP length, it reaffirms their LE ORME and LOCANDA inspired approach of melodic keyboard/violin focused prog.

As before, Aldo Bergamini's guitar is extroverted when it needs to be, and assumes acoustic form more often than usual, often accompanied by piano in a more folk derivation than we are used to. The violin of Andrea Bertini remains one of the group's most identifying and charming qualities. What's new ish if old again is the more compact songs reminiscent of their first full length album from 1990, but with more variation within the pieces that play like mini epics. The result in this regard is mixed as it has been before, but as usual offset by the sheer beauty in almost every moment, and the band's wisdom in varying the pace and mood while still sounding joyous every moment.

I really bask in all of this but a special shout out to "Puo Succedere Cos" which plays like a tribute to the late great FRANCO BATTIATO in the early stages and an emotional procession for him at the end. Perhaps my imagination but no matter. "Effeto Notte" brings me back to the halcyon days of their early 1990s work, and "Nel Vento" is a lively roundup. The title and length of "Memorabilia" suggest this might be the end of the CASTELLO story. If so, it's a happy one, and if not, well, that's even more cause to smile.