FOSCHIA

Foschia (Mist) is the perfect name for this young band from the Bologna area of Northern Italy. It describes their conflicted---sometimes mysterious, sometimes hopeful---sound pretty well. All band members were born around 2000, making them about 19 years old when they released this debut, Dalla Citta al Cielo (From City to Sky). I found that remarkable because, while there is a youthful perspective in the passion and sense of wonder, there is also a real maturity and patience in the pacing. This is an album for prog rock fans who appreciate the pacing of "Echoes" more than, say, "Blackest Eyes." While there are no 20-minute tracks herein, the first three songs do sort of melt together into one long piece in my own head.

In fact, as tiring as Pink Floyd comparisons can be, I do feel these guys bring a bit of '69 to '71-era Floyd to mind, as well as a bit of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" to mention a later song. In many of the songs, there are sections of slow development built around distant-sounding guitar leads---lone notes, soft bends, and space between each---with the same being true of the keyboards and piano that build around thoughtful, sometimes brooding chords. This approach brings an unhurried, contemplative approach that used to be more valued in progressive rock circles. The emotional release and payoffs will come, but they are in no hurry to give you a quick sugar high to sing along with. That space between the somber moods and the hopeful ones play out over the course of the album. The psych and sometimes bluesy feel of the electric guitars overshadow a "typical RPI" vibe generally, but the heartfelt Italian vocals help retain the experience. This debut reminded me most specifically of a 2011 album called Hanblecheya by Labirinto di Specchi, which was roundly enjoyed my many PA regulars at the time. I would say that Dalla Citta al Cielo is similar though less experimental, but perhaps even a better balance.

Love the trippy opening to "Il Viaggio" (The Journey). The wind sound effect is perfect behind the clean guitar, and it acts as a de facto intro to the 10-minute "Entrance." More environmental sound (rain, birds) augment the dreamy guitar opening. Drums enter and eventually a long synth section and electric lead. A beautiful piano solo closes what is perhaps the most Floyd-inspired track. "Il Delirio" (Delirium) continues the hazy guitar and piano meditation style, and it became my favorite track. The haunting romanticism of "Vite appese ad un filo" (Lives Hanging by a Thread) changes gears a bit, modern RPI and yet somehow it could've been written by Jackson Browne or Conor Oberst. Go figure. "Dio Della Morale" has a bit of a Doors or perhaps Traffic vibe. I heard a Mazzy Star vibe in a few corners of the room. I love that there is so much space in these songs; this is Exhibit A that great music need not be overly complex, overly dense, or overly loud. The pure emotion of a standalone voice, guitar note, or soft piano chord are given the space to be nakedly heard, which is powerful. I think that philosophy is now so rare that it truly stands out when a band does it, and it's part of what makes this album so great.

A few minor quibbles: the distorted rhythm guitar tone lacks presence, lacks oomph. It's just a bit thin, and it's more noticeable with the rhythm guitars than the leads. Everything else sounds great, including the drums, which I almost always have issues with when listening to modern bands. Also, I'd say that the album could have ended with "Il paroliere" and been stronger for it. The tracks that follow, a bit more pop and ballad, are fine songs indeed, but they feel unnecessary as they deviate from the sound style of the rest. Being a fan of shorter "vinyl length" albums, I appreciate a tight tracklist. That said, this is without question a compelling and appealing debut, simply luxurious listening. I loved it. I do hope there will be another album someday. The cover artwork could not be more appropriate. It perfectly captures the mood and personality of the music you will hear.

Miss this album and you are missing out.